Topic: Forgiven Once and For All
Today marks the last live service in the Rock auditorium. Video showcasing how the church has grown from year 1999 to 2012. It was a touching moment.
Pastor highlighted the defining moment in 2003 where SARS broke out. One of the Sundays in year 2002, the Lord arrested Pastor to have him preach on Psalm 91 for God's complete protection.
In year 2000, during one of the midweek services, the chimes started playing by itself. That happened after Pastor preached the verse from Acts 13:35.
Jessica was born in 1998 and we moved in to Rock. This year Justin was born and we are moving in to the Star.
Jesus revealed to Pastor yesterday that He is bringing us from the earthly realm - The Rock to the heavenly places - The Star.
Matthew 1:1-16
Why are there 4 gospels? It takes 4 gospels to reveal Jesus to us in many ways.
Matthew gospel portrays Jesus as King of Israel. It's primarily for the Jews.
Luke gospel portrays Jesus as fully man.
Mark gospel portrays Jesus as the tireless labourer. It's all about Jesus working. Even the last verse tells us that.
John gospel has no genealogy. The gospel portrays Jesus as God. It talks about Jesus becoming flesh for us.
The very first name in the first and last verse in the bible is Jesus.
In Matthew,
Verse 1-15: Talks about all the genealogy.
Verse 16: It did not say "Joseph begot Jesus". It says "of whom was born Jesus who is called Christ". Here is the kingly title. Christ here is the anointed one.
Verse 17: "So all the generations...". Notice we have 3 sets of 14 generations written in this verse. It has significance and is the link to heaven. Notice the first set has "all", but from the rest, you don't find the word "all". During the Abraham generation, all names are mentioned. For David generation, some names are purposely left out. Those left out are those people who were cursed. They were the evil kings.What does this show? The scripture is so accurate.
This genealogy is an archive of names of the kingly line.
Israel was called upon because they were few in numbers, not because they were great in numbers. We magnify God's grace through Israel.
In A.D 70, all archive records were all destroyed in a fire. But today, the records are found in the world's best selling book - the bible.
Matthews line goes all the way to Joseph. Luke goes all the way to Mary. Both converge to King David. King David's other son brought forth Mary. King Solomon's son brought forth Joseph. So now, God has 2 lines in the genealogy. Pastor shares that tax collectors in the bible were worst than prostitutes; they were the greatest sinners. Despite that, God chose Matthew who was a tax collector to start the New Testament. Look at Matthew 9:9-12 for the story of Matthew.
Matthew 9:9-12
Grace is what God is to you. Law is what you are to God. When you are eye conscious, you are reasoning earthly works.
Law is what you are to God. Grace is what God is towards you.
He has revealed Himself as a saviour.
When God brought Israel out, it was what God is to Israel. As long as they depended on Him, even though they murmured, time and time again, God still showed grace to them. They were not under law at that time yet. It is a question of what you want to be before God. Back then, Israel wanted to score points based on their own efforts. That was when the law was introduced.
Jesus stepped into Matthew's life, knowing so well who he is. Matthew just followed Him. This reasoning is how to be under grace. If he reasoned and questioned his own self, he will not be under grace.
Peter's response to God was to ask Him to depart away from him because he felt he was a sinful man. That was Peter's reasoning.
Verse 10: Jesus sat down with many tax collectors. This Jesus called the greatest sinner. If we preach the gospel of grace, sinners will come to Him. If we preach religion, people will be focused on their own efforts.
Verse 11: The Pharisees spoke indirectly and questioned Jesus when they saw Him sitting with the sinners.
Verse 12: What Jesus is saying, your diseases qualify you for healing.
Back to 3 sets of 14, they all add up to 42. Each number has a significance. It represents "rest after trial".
The people who wandered in the wilderness, do you know how many stations they stopped by to rest? 42.
In the book of Revelation, 42 months (3.5 months) were the duration of the great tribulation.
Matthew 1:16
Verse 16: Sinful life is in the blood according to Leviticus. Jesus cannot receive sinful blood. So that's why Joseph was the husband of Mary and not involved in this verse. Woman's ovum cannot produce a baby. Only when the sperm meets, a foetus is formed. The woman's placenta does not bring the blood to the baby. It only brings all the good nutrients to the baby. All the baby's waste are transferred back. In other words, Mary was a virgin. All the blood of Jesus came from God who later on will be the sacrifice for all mankind.
Matthew 10:2-4
Verse 3: Notice how Matthew introduced himself. He called himself "Matthew the tax collector". He is not ashamed to show his past to everyone. He loves to glorify Jesus. If we have a testimony of our past, we should magnify God and never be afraid to do so.
1 John 1:9 says if we confess our sins, Jesus forgives us. If you say this verse is for the sinners, then there is a problem. Pastor comes against this verse and reiterates that this is a salvation verse for non-believers. If we believers have to do so by confessing our sins, we will never be in rest. Matthew can be open with his sins because he knows he is already forgiven.
People tend to fight back whenever others point out their weaknesses. They don't understand grace. Actually when they point out to you, they just want you to know. They still love you. People just don't have this assurance. Our defensiveness shows our lack of understanding of grace. Honestly, your friends still love you despite your weakness.
Supposedly you are a businessman and you are in serious big debt. You let your accountant see and handle your bookkeeping but you dare not see the debt yourself. One day, your old school friend found you and now he is a billionaire. He tells your accountant to hand him the bookkeeping book and pays off your debt, in return deposits 5 million to your bank account. Now your ledger is cleared and if you were to look at the ledger for the first time, you will see how much your debt has been cleared. You finally realise the truth and it makes you even more grateful to your saviour isn't it.
Pastor shares that he is not perfect. He shares that he was with Jessica on the road and suddenly someone cuts in his lane. You can say "Pastor, how come all your examples are related to cars?" He reveals that this is because this is something he gets rather easily agitated. At that moment, he actually wanted to give chase til he was reminded he was already forgiven.
Many of times we like to point to other's fault. We hardly apologise and acknowledge our own fault because we are afraid to look at the "ledger". If you are not sure you are forgiven, you always feel you have a right to be angry. It's wonderful to know you are forgiven.
Pastor feels that Matthew must have had tears in his eyes when he wrote the genealogy. Why? It is because he did not mention Sarah and Rebbecca. He mentioned only the other 4 women.
First, it was Ruth, who was a righteousness woman. The other 3 were involved in sexual scenes, Tamar, Rahab, Bathsheba. In essence, Matthew was magnifying God's grace.
Pastor shares the story of Tamar to show what previous background she had. Refer to Genesis 38 for the story of Judah and Tamar.
Genesis 37:36 was the story of Joseph. The last we saw him was him being sold as a slave. Then the story ends here and went with the story of Judah. Why? Jesus came from the tribe of Judah. Many Israeli still wonder why this story is here right after the story of Joseph.
Genesis 38: 1
Judah mixed with non-Gentiles, Shuwa Back then, they mixed with the people who are known for wealth. Because of time, you can study this on your own.
Back to Matthew 1:1-6
Verse 5: Rahab was the prostitute. She wore the red robe which is a picture of trusting in the blood of Jesus. And Rahab was mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus.
Verse 4: Nahshon was a hero and his son Salmon married Rahab.
Verse 5: Salmon married Rahab and brought forth Boaz. What Jesus says here is that He does not care about your past. Boaz is like a half breed isn't it. Half Gentile. Out of the 4 ladies, 2 are Gentiles and 2 are non-Gentiles.
Ruth placed her trust in God and went to Moab.
Verse 6: "... wife of Uriah." Why is it wife of Uriah here? It is to magnify God. God is saying to us He does not care about your past. It doesn't mean you have forfeited your blessings. God always places you in a better place as long as you put your trust in Him.
In closing,
Know that your sins are forgiven, you don't have to be defensive. You don't have to act like you didn't do it and be defensive all the time. If you do that, you are not a recipient of God's grace. We don't have to step into His presence because He first stepped into our presence. God didn't wait for man to invite Him. God cared and sent His son, knowing well His son will suffer for us. Jesus paid the price to give us heaven's best. There is a price; it's not free. He came knowing He will suffer.
Love has a degree of suffering involved. Jesus suffering began when He was born. He chose where to be born but yet He chose the manger. Mary didn't have domestic helper and He was born poor. The offering Mary brought was a pair of pigeons was an indication they were poor.
What a wonderful saviour we have. Even though He is high and lifted up, He knows to come to us to lift us up. He just says to us "Let me heal you. Let me be there for you. Allow me to love you".
Once you know you have been forgiven, you can look at your ledger and laugh about it. Trust Him and live life to the fullest. In Him, there is no condemnation.
Sunday, December 16, 2012
Sunday, December 9, 2012
9 December 2012
Topic: The Secret to Prayers
Pastor is going to share today about praying before the trial happens. Jesus taught us in the bible and said, "Pray that you enter not into temptations and testings (referring to trials)".
It is possible not to walk into temptations. He tells us the best thing we can do is to pray to not enter into temptations.
Pastor leads us to pray a prayer of protecting us from temptations for the coming week, and from the evil one.
Pastor was reminded of the old sermon in 2004 titled "Just a groan will reach the throne" after Pastor Mark asked an interesting question. He asked how come Jesus allowed the children of Israel to be under the bondage even though they were under grace?
If the shadow of the lamb can heal everyone and not feeble, how much more we today have the substance of the broken body of Christ to be fully healed!
So back to the question of Pastor Mark. Before that, Pastor shares that the part within us that is fallen. That is the flesh but that is not you. The flesh makes you irritated or moody. But as much as a splinter is in your flesh, it does that make you a wood. When we believers fall asleep, we step out of our body and Jesus clothes us with the same just like how He rose up. The Lord is returning and we know the end is near. Jesus said the waves and seas will roar, great earthquakes will happen. When you see these happen, the end is near. We just need to lift our heads and Jesus is coming.
So back to that question. There is something mystical about the flesh that rules your heart. For example, people show a front that they can handle it with words like "so far so good". God always wants man to depend on Him. The greatest blessing you have is when you depend on God. The flesh says you can handle it. Many people with innocent intentions at first always end up listening to the flesh. You may think that it's fine to send the lady home. But who knows what happens 10 minutes later. Pastor says he has no self confidence at all. He only has Christ-confidence. One is the power of the spirit and the other is the power of the flesh. Which one do you want. There is always a strong anointing on you when you depend on God.
Joseph had favor with Pharaoh. He gave the the land of Goshen to him. In this land, there was light. You may not even know you are shining but the world sees the light in your land.
Exodus 2:23-25
Verse 23: God heard their groaning.
Verse 24: God remembered His covenant with Abraham, Jacob and Isaac.
Verse 25: God looked upon the children of Israel and God acknowledged them.
There is just something about the covenant. Man makes contracts because man don't trust each other. With a contract, no one can change their minds.
With God, He made covenant not for His sake. God makes a covenant so that you will have an assurance and know He will not change His mind forever. We are no more under the covenant of Sinai. We know that God will remember our sins no more because God in His holiness has remembered our sins on the cross. God has already imputed all our sins on Jesus. He took our place, used His blood to wash away all our sins. If there was one speck on sin on Jesus, He would not raise His son from the dead. What does it mean? Your sins have been washed away. Jesus gave us this grace. God meant He will not remember your sins to punish your children. We are under the covenant of grace. In the new covenant, He gives us all the unconditional conditions. We just have to believe. It's all based on Christ.
Back to Exodus 2, that groaning is not a groan to God. It was never in the bible that the children of Israel groaned to God. The people cried out, notice they cried out because of the bondage. They didn't cry out to God.
God says to forgive, if cannot forget, just forgive. Many of times the pain is gone when you forgive.
Fast forward the story:
When the children of Israel came out to river Jordan and to the promised land, Joshua was their new leader.
Joshua 24:14-15
Verse 14: Joshua told the people to serve the Lord. Notice here that they were all worshiping other Gods. Look here, even though they did that, God still remembered His covenant and acknowledged them! Just look at the heart of our God.
Verse 15: Joshua says for he and his house, he will serve the Lord.
Don't think for one moment that when someone criticizes you, God can make your past never to haunt you. He can even make people easy to forget what they criticized.
God is so good that even your cry, will cause Him to activate/execute His covenant for you.
God allows what man allows. It does not mean that it is God's will. If the pastor decides to teach on law and the people believes, God still allows. It is never God's will. But He will hold the pastor accountable. If you believe God allows disease to be on you to punish you, then disease comes. Just like the children of Israel who rejected God, He still allows.
Romans 8:26-27
Verse 26: "The Spirit also helps in our weaknesses". This weakness refers to physical too. Don't just take it as it is for the mind.
There is a purpose for Jesus going through the whipping and lashing by the roman soldiers. It is because where there are wounds, there is healing. Why did He do that. It is because by His strips, we are healed. Jesus says, if we do not discern His body, we become sick, weakly and die before our time. Likewise if we discern His body and know His body brings us healing, we become strong.
Joke:
Ladies, if you want to have a good argument, marry a lawyer. But if you want man to appreciate you when you get older, marry an archaeologist.
Back to Verse 26:
"Groaning" means stenagmos in greek which means "cannot be uttered" (love secrets). That word "groaning" means words that cannot be uttered in a language. Is the groaning of the children of Israel the same as stenagmos? If it was, then it is a perfect match. But no because the Old Testament is in Hebrews. Now refer to Acts next.
Acts 7:3
Verse 34: It says that "I heard that groaning (stenagmos) and have come down to deliver them".
In essence, it is referring to speaking/praying in tongues. So when you pray in tongues, you become worry free. You don't have to run to Pastor Henry or any pastors to ask them to pray for you. You just need to let loose and pray in tongues, Jesus will perfect your prayer.
Acts 2:1-4
Verse 4: It says they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues and the Spirit gave them utterance. This word "utterance" in greek means apophthheggomai - to speak out a language not in everyday life. All you need to do is to speak in tongues.
Back to Acts 2,
Verse 1: The Day of Pentecost came and it was 9 o'clock in the morning.
Acts 2:11
Verse 11: They heard them speaking in their own tongues the wonderful works of God.
Under grace, no one talked about the law. If you talk about the good works of God, we just get happy. Forget our own doings, remember His doings.
Solomon's problem was his flesh. Everything was about what he did. Solomon says "I built this and that...". "I" shall never be the center of you life. The flesh revolves around the "I".
Whenever you pray in tongues, you are actually making intercessions of our behalf. Aren't you glad you may be praying for an urgent need which you are not even aware and yet able to concentrate on what you are doing presently? No wonder the devil is fighting so hard to take away this gift from God.
Paul says this in 1 Corinthians 14:18, I thank my God I speak with tongues more than you all. He actually gathered all Corinthians and told them he spoke in tongues more than all of them added up in numbers.
He must have spoke in tongues in the morning, afternoon and nights. He must have prayed in tongues all day long.
John G. Lake says speaking of the tongues is the making of his ministry.
Acts 2:25-27
Verse 25: Peter is quoting Psalms. Sin is defined as forfeiting God's glory according to Romans 3:23. In Isaiah 43:7, God says He made you for His glory.
Verse 26: "Therefore my heart rejoiced and my tongue is glad". Look to Psalms 16:8-9, it says my heart is glad, my glory rejoices.
Look in detail here, Peter says "my tongue was glad" while Psalms says "my glory rejoices". We have found the answer. The key is back in your tongue.
In closing,
Proud people will never pray in tongues. Man always wants God to prove to man. Man is subject to failure but yet we trust man.
God being perfect, how much more we can trust in Him with our worries and concern, for Him to bring us back home to safety.
Pastor is going to share today about praying before the trial happens. Jesus taught us in the bible and said, "Pray that you enter not into temptations and testings (referring to trials)".
It is possible not to walk into temptations. He tells us the best thing we can do is to pray to not enter into temptations.
Pastor leads us to pray a prayer of protecting us from temptations for the coming week, and from the evil one.
Pastor was reminded of the old sermon in 2004 titled "Just a groan will reach the throne" after Pastor Mark asked an interesting question. He asked how come Jesus allowed the children of Israel to be under the bondage even though they were under grace?
If the shadow of the lamb can heal everyone and not feeble, how much more we today have the substance of the broken body of Christ to be fully healed!
So back to the question of Pastor Mark. Before that, Pastor shares that the part within us that is fallen. That is the flesh but that is not you. The flesh makes you irritated or moody. But as much as a splinter is in your flesh, it does that make you a wood. When we believers fall asleep, we step out of our body and Jesus clothes us with the same just like how He rose up. The Lord is returning and we know the end is near. Jesus said the waves and seas will roar, great earthquakes will happen. When you see these happen, the end is near. We just need to lift our heads and Jesus is coming.
So back to that question. There is something mystical about the flesh that rules your heart. For example, people show a front that they can handle it with words like "so far so good". God always wants man to depend on Him. The greatest blessing you have is when you depend on God. The flesh says you can handle it. Many people with innocent intentions at first always end up listening to the flesh. You may think that it's fine to send the lady home. But who knows what happens 10 minutes later. Pastor says he has no self confidence at all. He only has Christ-confidence. One is the power of the spirit and the other is the power of the flesh. Which one do you want. There is always a strong anointing on you when you depend on God.
Joseph had favor with Pharaoh. He gave the the land of Goshen to him. In this land, there was light. You may not even know you are shining but the world sees the light in your land.
Exodus 2:23-25
Verse 23: God heard their groaning.
Verse 24: God remembered His covenant with Abraham, Jacob and Isaac.
Verse 25: God looked upon the children of Israel and God acknowledged them.
There is just something about the covenant. Man makes contracts because man don't trust each other. With a contract, no one can change their minds.
With God, He made covenant not for His sake. God makes a covenant so that you will have an assurance and know He will not change His mind forever. We are no more under the covenant of Sinai. We know that God will remember our sins no more because God in His holiness has remembered our sins on the cross. God has already imputed all our sins on Jesus. He took our place, used His blood to wash away all our sins. If there was one speck on sin on Jesus, He would not raise His son from the dead. What does it mean? Your sins have been washed away. Jesus gave us this grace. God meant He will not remember your sins to punish your children. We are under the covenant of grace. In the new covenant, He gives us all the unconditional conditions. We just have to believe. It's all based on Christ.
Back to Exodus 2, that groaning is not a groan to God. It was never in the bible that the children of Israel groaned to God. The people cried out, notice they cried out because of the bondage. They didn't cry out to God.
God says to forgive, if cannot forget, just forgive. Many of times the pain is gone when you forgive.
Fast forward the story:
When the children of Israel came out to river Jordan and to the promised land, Joshua was their new leader.
Joshua 24:14-15
Verse 14: Joshua told the people to serve the Lord. Notice here that they were all worshiping other Gods. Look here, even though they did that, God still remembered His covenant and acknowledged them! Just look at the heart of our God.
Verse 15: Joshua says for he and his house, he will serve the Lord.
Don't think for one moment that when someone criticizes you, God can make your past never to haunt you. He can even make people easy to forget what they criticized.
God is so good that even your cry, will cause Him to activate/execute His covenant for you.
God allows what man allows. It does not mean that it is God's will. If the pastor decides to teach on law and the people believes, God still allows. It is never God's will. But He will hold the pastor accountable. If you believe God allows disease to be on you to punish you, then disease comes. Just like the children of Israel who rejected God, He still allows.
Romans 8:26-27
Verse 26: "The Spirit also helps in our weaknesses". This weakness refers to physical too. Don't just take it as it is for the mind.
There is a purpose for Jesus going through the whipping and lashing by the roman soldiers. It is because where there are wounds, there is healing. Why did He do that. It is because by His strips, we are healed. Jesus says, if we do not discern His body, we become sick, weakly and die before our time. Likewise if we discern His body and know His body brings us healing, we become strong.
Joke:
Ladies, if you want to have a good argument, marry a lawyer. But if you want man to appreciate you when you get older, marry an archaeologist.
Back to Verse 26:
"Groaning" means stenagmos in greek which means "cannot be uttered" (love secrets). That word "groaning" means words that cannot be uttered in a language. Is the groaning of the children of Israel the same as stenagmos? If it was, then it is a perfect match. But no because the Old Testament is in Hebrews. Now refer to Acts next.
Acts 7:3
Verse 34: It says that "I heard that groaning (stenagmos) and have come down to deliver them".
In essence, it is referring to speaking/praying in tongues. So when you pray in tongues, you become worry free. You don't have to run to Pastor Henry or any pastors to ask them to pray for you. You just need to let loose and pray in tongues, Jesus will perfect your prayer.
Acts 2:1-4
Verse 4: It says they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues and the Spirit gave them utterance. This word "utterance" in greek means apophthheggomai - to speak out a language not in everyday life. All you need to do is to speak in tongues.
Back to Acts 2,
Verse 1: The Day of Pentecost came and it was 9 o'clock in the morning.
Acts 2:11
Verse 11: They heard them speaking in their own tongues the wonderful works of God.
Under grace, no one talked about the law. If you talk about the good works of God, we just get happy. Forget our own doings, remember His doings.
Solomon's problem was his flesh. Everything was about what he did. Solomon says "I built this and that...". "I" shall never be the center of you life. The flesh revolves around the "I".
Whenever you pray in tongues, you are actually making intercessions of our behalf. Aren't you glad you may be praying for an urgent need which you are not even aware and yet able to concentrate on what you are doing presently? No wonder the devil is fighting so hard to take away this gift from God.
Paul says this in 1 Corinthians 14:18, I thank my God I speak with tongues more than you all. He actually gathered all Corinthians and told them he spoke in tongues more than all of them added up in numbers.
He must have spoke in tongues in the morning, afternoon and nights. He must have prayed in tongues all day long.
John G. Lake says speaking of the tongues is the making of his ministry.
Acts 2:25-27
Verse 25: Peter is quoting Psalms. Sin is defined as forfeiting God's glory according to Romans 3:23. In Isaiah 43:7, God says He made you for His glory.
Verse 26: "Therefore my heart rejoiced and my tongue is glad". Look to Psalms 16:8-9, it says my heart is glad, my glory rejoices.
Look in detail here, Peter says "my tongue was glad" while Psalms says "my glory rejoices". We have found the answer. The key is back in your tongue.
In closing,
Proud people will never pray in tongues. Man always wants God to prove to man. Man is subject to failure but yet we trust man.
God being perfect, how much more we can trust in Him with our worries and concern, for Him to bring us back home to safety.
Sunday, December 2, 2012
2 December 2012
Topic: The Light of Christ In Your Life
A testimony of a woman of 44 years old who had her first menses. She recalled and thought that it was the prayer she made when she was in the elementary school not to have menses. However, the doubt was cleared after knowing God's will for mankind.
Pastor pointed out to the testimony saying that it is never God's will for mankind to suffer. It is the evil forces that took advantages of such.
John 1:1-12
Verse 1: So in the beginning there was the word. The word "trinity" is not in the bible. However, in the bible it showed the Father speaking, the Holy Spirit coming and the birth of Jesus.
Verse 3: All things were made by God. Scientists cannot understand why atoms are held together. We know in the word that Jesus holds everything about you. Disease is the manifestation of dis-ease. When Christ came, He held you together so that disease has no power over you. Jesus is the super glue in your marriage. If it is really problematic, give up and let God. Not referring to divorce here.
Verse 4: In Christ there is zoey life. Jesus revealed to Pastor a pyramid during his younger days. The top layer was vegetable life; the lowest form of life. Food does die, you understand that they do have a life. The next layer was insect life, followed by animal life and at the base, it was human life. When you are born again, you have eternal life. You do not rely on the other parts of the pyramid. Believers do not become an insect after they die. Man can never cease to exist. God breathe into man and so man never dies. Only the body turns to ashes and so there must be a place to store the spirit. Salvation is not progressive. It is instant and the effects are eternal. You are a spirit and it came from God. Your body is a house, not part of you. When a believer sleeps, he steps out of the body and he lives forever in heaven. He has a bodily body which can touch and feel Jesus. Those countries where the gospel has not come, they are still under the darkness. Look at Bach or Mozart. They all believe music is from God. That is why when you listen to their music, you become intelligent. If you need light in your business, Jesus can be your light. You can have knowledge but have no light. One who has the light, knows more than a theologian. The first time God spoke was when He brought forth light. In greek, His name (Yah) was the first character He spoke as He called forth light. That is not referring to His son as Jesus was mentioned in the fourth day. The bible calls our bible the glorious gospel. The devil has blinded the minds of people from the glorious light of the gospel. For example, you can think that by smoking, you can still live long. Somewhere along the way, you can have that belief. When you belief that, the devil has blinded you from the glorious truth. The bible defines God as love and light in 1 John.
Pastor shares a story of Jesus which is not recorded in the bible. You may choose to take it or throw it away. We call it biblical truths.
Jesus walked past a well and saw a dog in it. The people around the well spoke nothing good about the dog and when they saw Jesus, they all kept quiet to see how Jesus would react. Jesus looked at the dog and spoke, "Pearls are not as white as the teeth of the dog". Our God only sees our good.
When one is in darkness, he would not want to be in the light because they think it's too painful. They do not want the light to expose their uglyness. No, Jesus see your perfection in Jesus. God does not judge you by looking at you. As He is, so are you in this world.
Pastor joked that that was just the introduction to today's sermon.
Exodus 10:22-23 (Story of the plague of darkness)
Verse 22: This darkness here is not referring to natural darkness. It is judicial darkness. If it was natural darkness, the Egyptians would have used candles or lamps to light up and avail themselves of it. It was a punishment from God.
Verse 23: If the darkness is not natural, then this light this verse is talking about has to be supernatural light.
Some of you may have a dark belief. Let the light shine into your belief. You don't curse darkness like no tomorrow. Follow God's system. How? Turn on the light!
Back to John 1:1-12
Verse 6: There is a ministry called John in the second coming. John was not the light. The light that came gave men inspirations, life, ideas and prosperity. If people comes to you and ask if you believe in prosperity, say yes. Even the government believes in that. Prosperity is a servant, it is not being materialistic. Prosperity is a danger when it becomes a master. Ask God to give you light in every situation. Some people says they see it when others talk. What does it mean? It means they understood. Keep coming to church to see God's truth. God's light shines into your belief each time you come to Him.
In ancient Israel, there are 3 kinds of light:
In the Tabernacle: Our lives surround the church. In the bible, it says that each tribe faced the tabernacle. In the natural, it looked like a dangerous position isn't it. That's man's logic. But God says He will take care of your back. Each flag/banner represented different tribes. As long as they all faced and lifted up Jesus, Jesus takes care of their back.
Pastor shows a video: First, in the open, the tribes then followed by the priests killing the lambs (to cover their sins). The light outside here is sunlight- natural light. Next, the video continued to go into the tabernacle. In there there are candlesticks - referring to the 7 churches in Revelation. Each one signifies a local church. The light inside here is the light of the church.
Read Leviticus 24:1-3
Verse 3: Aaron is a picture of Jesus Christ, who takes care of the candlesticks. When your light goes out, Jesus does not say to you that your light is not as bright as Pastor Henry's or will He ever reject you. In ancient days, it is the priest who tends the candlesticks. He will pull up the wick to stop it from burning out. (Usually the light starts to go out the moment it starts to submerge into the oil) Jesus will not crush a bruised wick. When you have lost your song and lost your song of tune, He will not throw you away. He has a strong and big army for you to rely on. He comes and sit beside you and walks with you. He will walk with you through the darkest valley. Aren't you glad the church is the light. Your part is to declare, preach and share the light. He will explain for you on your behalf.
Many of times, you will only understand only after you accept Christ. Don't be like the world who says you need to understand first. Just like there are many who do not understand how the air-con works but yet they enjoy and utilise the capabilities of the air-con.
Jesus said in Ephesians 2.
Look to Revelation 2:1-2.
Verse 1: Angels refer to messenger. It can be representative, not necessarily a reference to God's angels. Whatever doctrine that comes in to the church, the Pastor is responsible. Jesus will only remove the candlestick if the doctrine is harmful. The seven stars represent the seven pastors. A beautiful revelation here of Jesus holding them.
Verse 2: Whenever the church meets, Jesus is there. He is never outside. Works, labour and patience is mentioned by Jesus to the pastors. Works in the natural are activities done by the church. Refer to 1 Thessalonians 1:2-3 to look at how works of faith, labour of hope and patience of love mentioned.
Back to Revelations 2:2, the Ephesus church lost the 3 fruits, faith, hope and love.
To lead a successful life, you need to have faith, hope and love. It makes people want to surround you. Make sure your endurance is of expectation of good.
Numbers 8:1-3
Verse 1: Aaron is the high priest. Jesus takes care of the candles during the darkest hour. What does it mean, when you are in your darkest hour, Jesus lifts you up. He will not quench your smoking flags. When the candle starts to smoke, it means it is about to burn out. He takes you and removes the burnt parts in your darkest times. For the candle stand, the lights must all point to the center light. It means to glorify Jesus Christ. Jesus is the center stick. If you want to have a successful marriage, put Jesus in the center. Don't put your husband in the center because he does not make a good god. Don't let your happiness be in the mere mortal who breathes through his nostrils. Never let a new addition like your baby be the center of your life.
Acts 3:11-13
Verse 11: A man who was lame in the womb healed.
Verse 12: Peter asked why looked at us in awe or marvelled at us when the man was healed?
Verse 13: Peter pointed to God being the healer. What he was doing was to point to the center of the candle stand. Some of you come to church to find out how to become rich or to drive a ferarri. That's shining the light on yourself. God does not care what tin with wheels you are driving on. He has chariots with fire in heaven.
1 Thessalonians 5:8
Verse 8: Why is it Christians these days are losing hope? Read on to know that you need to have hope. Bible hope is the confident expectation of good in your future. Salivation is health and wholeness in every area.
1 Timothy 1:12-14
Verse 14: Faith and love in Christ Jesus. Who wants faith and hope in Christ Jesus? In KJV, it shows faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. In other translation, it says faith and love which are (singular verb) in Christ Jesus. That "are" is a singular verb. So where do you find faith and love? In Christ Jesus. Talk to Him every morning and have an intimate relationship with Him.
Pastor shares how his son knew where the portrait of Jesus is hung at home. Whenever Pastor asks where is Jesus, he will turn his head to the painting and make noises of "hmm hmm". In Matthew 21:16, it says "... Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise?" In essence, Jesus revealed that babes refers to infants who are still suckling (breast feeding) and they have their way of praising God.
In closing,
The keyboardist starts to play while Pastor asks the church to tell God,
Jesus, be the center stage of my marriage, career and my life. I promise to give back all praises to you who is the source of my blessings in time to come.
You may say Pastor, my marriage is fine. It is not fine because it is built under man's efforts.
Praise and worship continues...
A testimony of a woman of 44 years old who had her first menses. She recalled and thought that it was the prayer she made when she was in the elementary school not to have menses. However, the doubt was cleared after knowing God's will for mankind.
Pastor pointed out to the testimony saying that it is never God's will for mankind to suffer. It is the evil forces that took advantages of such.
John 1:1-12
Verse 1: So in the beginning there was the word. The word "trinity" is not in the bible. However, in the bible it showed the Father speaking, the Holy Spirit coming and the birth of Jesus.
Verse 3: All things were made by God. Scientists cannot understand why atoms are held together. We know in the word that Jesus holds everything about you. Disease is the manifestation of dis-ease. When Christ came, He held you together so that disease has no power over you. Jesus is the super glue in your marriage. If it is really problematic, give up and let God. Not referring to divorce here.
Verse 4: In Christ there is zoey life. Jesus revealed to Pastor a pyramid during his younger days. The top layer was vegetable life; the lowest form of life. Food does die, you understand that they do have a life. The next layer was insect life, followed by animal life and at the base, it was human life. When you are born again, you have eternal life. You do not rely on the other parts of the pyramid. Believers do not become an insect after they die. Man can never cease to exist. God breathe into man and so man never dies. Only the body turns to ashes and so there must be a place to store the spirit. Salvation is not progressive. It is instant and the effects are eternal. You are a spirit and it came from God. Your body is a house, not part of you. When a believer sleeps, he steps out of the body and he lives forever in heaven. He has a bodily body which can touch and feel Jesus. Those countries where the gospel has not come, they are still under the darkness. Look at Bach or Mozart. They all believe music is from God. That is why when you listen to their music, you become intelligent. If you need light in your business, Jesus can be your light. You can have knowledge but have no light. One who has the light, knows more than a theologian. The first time God spoke was when He brought forth light. In greek, His name (Yah) was the first character He spoke as He called forth light. That is not referring to His son as Jesus was mentioned in the fourth day. The bible calls our bible the glorious gospel. The devil has blinded the minds of people from the glorious light of the gospel. For example, you can think that by smoking, you can still live long. Somewhere along the way, you can have that belief. When you belief that, the devil has blinded you from the glorious truth. The bible defines God as love and light in 1 John.
Pastor shares a story of Jesus which is not recorded in the bible. You may choose to take it or throw it away. We call it biblical truths.
Jesus walked past a well and saw a dog in it. The people around the well spoke nothing good about the dog and when they saw Jesus, they all kept quiet to see how Jesus would react. Jesus looked at the dog and spoke, "Pearls are not as white as the teeth of the dog". Our God only sees our good.
When one is in darkness, he would not want to be in the light because they think it's too painful. They do not want the light to expose their uglyness. No, Jesus see your perfection in Jesus. God does not judge you by looking at you. As He is, so are you in this world.
Pastor joked that that was just the introduction to today's sermon.
Exodus 10:22-23 (Story of the plague of darkness)
Verse 22: This darkness here is not referring to natural darkness. It is judicial darkness. If it was natural darkness, the Egyptians would have used candles or lamps to light up and avail themselves of it. It was a punishment from God.
Verse 23: If the darkness is not natural, then this light this verse is talking about has to be supernatural light.
Some of you may have a dark belief. Let the light shine into your belief. You don't curse darkness like no tomorrow. Follow God's system. How? Turn on the light!
Back to John 1:1-12
Verse 6: There is a ministry called John in the second coming. John was not the light. The light that came gave men inspirations, life, ideas and prosperity. If people comes to you and ask if you believe in prosperity, say yes. Even the government believes in that. Prosperity is a servant, it is not being materialistic. Prosperity is a danger when it becomes a master. Ask God to give you light in every situation. Some people says they see it when others talk. What does it mean? It means they understood. Keep coming to church to see God's truth. God's light shines into your belief each time you come to Him.
In ancient Israel, there are 3 kinds of light:
In the Tabernacle: Our lives surround the church. In the bible, it says that each tribe faced the tabernacle. In the natural, it looked like a dangerous position isn't it. That's man's logic. But God says He will take care of your back. Each flag/banner represented different tribes. As long as they all faced and lifted up Jesus, Jesus takes care of their back.
Pastor shows a video: First, in the open, the tribes then followed by the priests killing the lambs (to cover their sins). The light outside here is sunlight- natural light. Next, the video continued to go into the tabernacle. In there there are candlesticks - referring to the 7 churches in Revelation. Each one signifies a local church. The light inside here is the light of the church.
Read Leviticus 24:1-3
Verse 3: Aaron is a picture of Jesus Christ, who takes care of the candlesticks. When your light goes out, Jesus does not say to you that your light is not as bright as Pastor Henry's or will He ever reject you. In ancient days, it is the priest who tends the candlesticks. He will pull up the wick to stop it from burning out. (Usually the light starts to go out the moment it starts to submerge into the oil) Jesus will not crush a bruised wick. When you have lost your song and lost your song of tune, He will not throw you away. He has a strong and big army for you to rely on. He comes and sit beside you and walks with you. He will walk with you through the darkest valley. Aren't you glad the church is the light. Your part is to declare, preach and share the light. He will explain for you on your behalf.
Many of times, you will only understand only after you accept Christ. Don't be like the world who says you need to understand first. Just like there are many who do not understand how the air-con works but yet they enjoy and utilise the capabilities of the air-con.
Jesus said in Ephesians 2.
Look to Revelation 2:1-2.
Verse 1: Angels refer to messenger. It can be representative, not necessarily a reference to God's angels. Whatever doctrine that comes in to the church, the Pastor is responsible. Jesus will only remove the candlestick if the doctrine is harmful. The seven stars represent the seven pastors. A beautiful revelation here of Jesus holding them.
Verse 2: Whenever the church meets, Jesus is there. He is never outside. Works, labour and patience is mentioned by Jesus to the pastors. Works in the natural are activities done by the church. Refer to 1 Thessalonians 1:2-3 to look at how works of faith, labour of hope and patience of love mentioned.
Back to Revelations 2:2, the Ephesus church lost the 3 fruits, faith, hope and love.
To lead a successful life, you need to have faith, hope and love. It makes people want to surround you. Make sure your endurance is of expectation of good.
Numbers 8:1-3
Verse 1: Aaron is the high priest. Jesus takes care of the candles during the darkest hour. What does it mean, when you are in your darkest hour, Jesus lifts you up. He will not quench your smoking flags. When the candle starts to smoke, it means it is about to burn out. He takes you and removes the burnt parts in your darkest times. For the candle stand, the lights must all point to the center light. It means to glorify Jesus Christ. Jesus is the center stick. If you want to have a successful marriage, put Jesus in the center. Don't put your husband in the center because he does not make a good god. Don't let your happiness be in the mere mortal who breathes through his nostrils. Never let a new addition like your baby be the center of your life.
Acts 3:11-13
Verse 11: A man who was lame in the womb healed.
Verse 12: Peter asked why looked at us in awe or marvelled at us when the man was healed?
Verse 13: Peter pointed to God being the healer. What he was doing was to point to the center of the candle stand. Some of you come to church to find out how to become rich or to drive a ferarri. That's shining the light on yourself. God does not care what tin with wheels you are driving on. He has chariots with fire in heaven.
1 Thessalonians 5:8
Verse 8: Why is it Christians these days are losing hope? Read on to know that you need to have hope. Bible hope is the confident expectation of good in your future. Salivation is health and wholeness in every area.
1 Timothy 1:12-14
Verse 14: Faith and love in Christ Jesus. Who wants faith and hope in Christ Jesus? In KJV, it shows faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. In other translation, it says faith and love which are (singular verb) in Christ Jesus. That "are" is a singular verb. So where do you find faith and love? In Christ Jesus. Talk to Him every morning and have an intimate relationship with Him.
Pastor shares how his son knew where the portrait of Jesus is hung at home. Whenever Pastor asks where is Jesus, he will turn his head to the painting and make noises of "hmm hmm". In Matthew 21:16, it says "... Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise?" In essence, Jesus revealed that babes refers to infants who are still suckling (breast feeding) and they have their way of praising God.
In closing,
The keyboardist starts to play while Pastor asks the church to tell God,
Jesus, be the center stage of my marriage, career and my life. I promise to give back all praises to you who is the source of my blessings in time to come.
You may say Pastor, my marriage is fine. It is not fine because it is built under man's efforts.
Praise and worship continues...
Monday, November 5, 2012
Announcement
I am on vacation in Europe and will be back in SG on 21 Nov 2012.
Sermon messages will return on 25 Nov 2012.
May God's goodness hunt you down like never before. Be blessed!
Sermon messages will return on 25 Nov 2012.
May God's goodness hunt you down like never before. Be blessed!
Sunday, October 28, 2012
28 October 2012
Topic: Truths About Family Life
Testimony of a lady (known as L.D) who suffers from a sharp pain in the neck. She watched Pastor's broadcast on TBN and was delivered from the pain.
Pastor asks everyone to say "In Christ I'm ageless".
Romans 6:6
Our sinful nature was nailed on the cross. But Pastor, I still sin, how? God does not look at your self which you are disappointed in, as it is already on the cross. As far as God is concerned, your sins are already no more. He died not only for our sins, He died for us. He did not go to the Father for Himself. He came, died for us, rose for us, sat next to the Father for us. God is looking at Christ who is perfect. We should look away from self to the same object of delight with God and say "This is who I am". Christ is beautiful in any ways you turn Him.
Even before you start the day, know for sure God is looking at you like Christ Himself. Christ is our common object of joy and delight. It is only when we feed, we have true holy communion. You may have your own interpretation of holiness but yet not close to God.
Pastor is going to share today something that has been burning in his heart. He is sure it's going to bless you. Today's topic will be on family's life. Recently, Jesus revealed to him that his children ages are widely spread so that he can be relevant to everyone. Pastor joked that his life is "messed up" because of us.
Pastor shared a "Permission to date my daughter" form which her daughter showed to him this week. Questions like "What does late means to you?", "Write in less than 50 words about yourself", etc.
Family is your greatest treasure. No point being a public success but a private failure. We don't want our house and children to be in order because of your pride. Children know and will pick them up. All children want to live for something greater. Children become resentful if they know you do things for your pride. Don't let other people educate your children. This is your children, your family. Fathers have more privileges than mothers in bringing up children in the bible.
Deuteronomy 11 talks about speaking God's word to your children. It's got to do with the way you father your children. In the bible, fathers are always mentioned about bringing up children.
If you are a single mother, don't feel discouraged because Jesus restores many times more anointing than you can ever imagine.
In Old Testament, people work before the sun comes up. In those days, they were working long hours.
Whatever you/fathers allow, you are responsible for it. You cannot blame your wife when bad happens; you are responsible for the consequences because you allowed it.
Adam fell because he does not speak up. We cannot keep quiet and allow the rain to continue to fall. God will never allow things with no anointing over you. You should never always be passive just because you are embarrassed. It is to be cool to be authoritative, not being aggressive. These are 2 different things.
You have the authority. Don't just keep quiet. God's heart is for the family. Don't think that God only just saves you. He want to save you and your whole family.
One time on earth where the everything is perverted because man lived with demons and produced giants. Noah was the only man left who was righteous.
Genesis 7:1
Verse 1: "you and all your household". Notice God did not say his wife or sons were righteous. Noah's family benefited from Noah's righteousness. God's heart is that when the father is saved, the blessings are going to affect the whole family. It literally means because of you, Jesus will do things because of YOU. This is the covenant God has with you. Jesus can touch your family because of you. His heart is for you and your household.
Luke 19:9-10
"Today salvation has come to this house". Notice it is the entire household that is blessed.
Genesis 18:16-19
Verse 17 & 18: We know Abraham is not a perfect man.
Verse 19: This verse talks about the criteria that God is looking for in man whom He can trust.
Acts 11:13-14
Verse 13 & 14: Notice the angel said "tell you words by which you and your household will be saved". Angels are not ordained by God to preach the gospel. Notice "you and your household" mentioned by the angel.
Acts 16:31
Verse 31: God says believe in The Lord and you will be saved, you and your household.
Verse 34: Once he believed, it becomes easier for the rest of the household to believe.
Pastor is very thankful for the Benjamin generation. They are facing more temptations that those we went through during our time. It is time for you to speak with authority. Your children find it more cool to hear you speak rather than hearing praises from their friends.
Don't be a parent saying that my 9 year old doesn't want to go to church. We cannot make our children into anything. God taught us to train them and the rest is up to God.
Parents remember this: Children always want to do right. Many children are swept by their friends. Maybe it's a wild party and your children dare not reject the offer. Tell your children "no" so that they can just blame it on you. Friends who hear that you have a authoritative father will step back and look for another prey.
Don't think for a moment that by saying "no" will lead them to grow up with a warped personality or appear on Oprah Winfrey show saying my father deprived me from this and that.
1 Kings 5-6
Verse 5: This man is full of pride. Why? Look at next verse.
Verse 6: "His father had not rebuked him anytime". They grew up thinking the world revolves around them. God tells us to train our children based on His wisdom, not based on psychology.
We always think never to displease our children means to be nice to them. That's nonsense!
Never think that your children is too young to be taught. Parents need to teach when they are young. He shared an example of how Justin likes to take the remote control and puts it in his mouth. Pastor as a father said "no" to him a few times and it could be seen that he actually understood - by lowering his hand with remote control.
Facebook is an open-book to parents. Leave it this way. Kids love to say things like " Don't you trust me?" As a father, say "no". Say "I don't trust my flesh too". "Do you want me to send a lady, not your mummy home?"
Pastor shared how back then an older boy attempted to date her daughter. This older boy sent mobile messages with words that was coated with so much with honey that pastor joked whoever reads it may turn diabetic. Pastor called the boy and told him not to contact her daughter anymore. At the same time asked him to inform his parents that Pastor Prince called. This is your child. This is yours.
Don't let others educate your children. Do it yourself. When you see your child reading things not good, tell her.
Adultery always started innocently. It doesn't work by directly going to bed. It doesn't work that way. When you start to feel flirtatious, curb it. It started by sending them home. Next time give them taxi fare. That's being wise.
Proverbs 22:6
Verse 6: Train up a child in the way she should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.
Pastor shares what it really means in Hebrew. The word "train" means chanak. It is to place something into the mouth for tasting. In essence, it means to give your child a taste of God. There comes a time your children needs to taste God. Don't deprive your children from the youth ministry. They may not like it. Lead them, train them in a way he should go. The word "go" in the verse above means peh - mouth. When they look back, they will remember their first encounter with God, or even that church camp. Until today, Pastor still remembers the first time he encountered Jesus and the first song he learnt during Sunday school - Silent Night.
Don't think for one moment that children cannot sense things. Train them to speak well, the language of the promised land. If you leave it to them to speak unpleasant words, next time when they are angry, these words comes out automatically. This is being demon-controlled - don't misunderstand it with demon-possessed because this never happens to God's child.
Another scripture that's going to blow your mind.
2 Timothy 3:15
Verse 15: Paul told Timothy this verse. "Salvation" means wise in handling your health, finances. Don't always think that salvation only just means saviour.
2 Timothy 1:5
Verse 5: It was Timothy's grandmother who taught this to his mother, Eunice. It has to be taught.
Back to 2 Timothy 3:15, the word "child" is brefos which actually means foetus, or a new born child. It is used on babies, not for toddlers. With that in mind, from a baby, they hast known the holy scriptures. Don't care if they understand or not, sing scriptures over your child. They can sense the blessings of the scriptures.
Pharaohs in the bible is a picture of satan. Moses is a type of Christ. There are 4 objections of satan. The 4th one is for children.
Exodus 10:7-12
Verse 9: "We will go with our young, our sons and daughters, because we must hold a feast to the LORD."
Let your children taste Jesus.
Verse 10: This is how the satan talks according to this verse. Satan says, since you believe in the Lord, then you go, leave the children behind.
Since you enjoy the things of God, you should also let them have a taste and not deprive them. Do you want to leave them in Egypt?
Don't allow the PG13 rating become the license for your child to watch the movie. You be the parent.
Even though your teen has been led astray, you know they have already tasted Jesus before and will always come back. God will always restore what the locusts have taken. Dare to displease your children. Don't think that children are stupid, they can sense your sincerity. God has already given you the charisma, wisdom and authority. So you don't have to shout at them. Speak like a man of God and your words will carry weight.
Be like godly Caleb, even though he was 40 years old, he was able to take the land. People of faith don't grow old. Even when he was 85 years old, he drove the giants away. This inheritance is yours to take. Don't say the social media is too much to take. Take the land like the mighty Caleb.
In closing,
Pastor will say a prayer for everyone to possess a spirit of honour and weightiness to come upon everyone present.
Testimony of a lady (known as L.D) who suffers from a sharp pain in the neck. She watched Pastor's broadcast on TBN and was delivered from the pain.
Pastor asks everyone to say "In Christ I'm ageless".
Romans 6:6
Our sinful nature was nailed on the cross. But Pastor, I still sin, how? God does not look at your self which you are disappointed in, as it is already on the cross. As far as God is concerned, your sins are already no more. He died not only for our sins, He died for us. He did not go to the Father for Himself. He came, died for us, rose for us, sat next to the Father for us. God is looking at Christ who is perfect. We should look away from self to the same object of delight with God and say "This is who I am". Christ is beautiful in any ways you turn Him.
Even before you start the day, know for sure God is looking at you like Christ Himself. Christ is our common object of joy and delight. It is only when we feed, we have true holy communion. You may have your own interpretation of holiness but yet not close to God.
Pastor is going to share today something that has been burning in his heart. He is sure it's going to bless you. Today's topic will be on family's life. Recently, Jesus revealed to him that his children ages are widely spread so that he can be relevant to everyone. Pastor joked that his life is "messed up" because of us.
Pastor shared a "Permission to date my daughter" form which her daughter showed to him this week. Questions like "What does late means to you?", "Write in less than 50 words about yourself", etc.
Family is your greatest treasure. No point being a public success but a private failure. We don't want our house and children to be in order because of your pride. Children know and will pick them up. All children want to live for something greater. Children become resentful if they know you do things for your pride. Don't let other people educate your children. This is your children, your family. Fathers have more privileges than mothers in bringing up children in the bible.
Deuteronomy 11 talks about speaking God's word to your children. It's got to do with the way you father your children. In the bible, fathers are always mentioned about bringing up children.
If you are a single mother, don't feel discouraged because Jesus restores many times more anointing than you can ever imagine.
In Old Testament, people work before the sun comes up. In those days, they were working long hours.
Whatever you/fathers allow, you are responsible for it. You cannot blame your wife when bad happens; you are responsible for the consequences because you allowed it.
Adam fell because he does not speak up. We cannot keep quiet and allow the rain to continue to fall. God will never allow things with no anointing over you. You should never always be passive just because you are embarrassed. It is to be cool to be authoritative, not being aggressive. These are 2 different things.
You have the authority. Don't just keep quiet. God's heart is for the family. Don't think that God only just saves you. He want to save you and your whole family.
One time on earth where the everything is perverted because man lived with demons and produced giants. Noah was the only man left who was righteous.
Genesis 7:1
Verse 1: "you and all your household". Notice God did not say his wife or sons were righteous. Noah's family benefited from Noah's righteousness. God's heart is that when the father is saved, the blessings are going to affect the whole family. It literally means because of you, Jesus will do things because of YOU. This is the covenant God has with you. Jesus can touch your family because of you. His heart is for you and your household.
Luke 19:9-10
"Today salvation has come to this house". Notice it is the entire household that is blessed.
Genesis 18:16-19
Verse 17 & 18: We know Abraham is not a perfect man.
Verse 19: This verse talks about the criteria that God is looking for in man whom He can trust.
Acts 11:13-14
Verse 13 & 14: Notice the angel said "tell you words by which you and your household will be saved". Angels are not ordained by God to preach the gospel. Notice "you and your household" mentioned by the angel.
Acts 16:31
Verse 31: God says believe in The Lord and you will be saved, you and your household.
Verse 34: Once he believed, it becomes easier for the rest of the household to believe.
Pastor is very thankful for the Benjamin generation. They are facing more temptations that those we went through during our time. It is time for you to speak with authority. Your children find it more cool to hear you speak rather than hearing praises from their friends.
Don't be a parent saying that my 9 year old doesn't want to go to church. We cannot make our children into anything. God taught us to train them and the rest is up to God.
Parents remember this: Children always want to do right. Many children are swept by their friends. Maybe it's a wild party and your children dare not reject the offer. Tell your children "no" so that they can just blame it on you. Friends who hear that you have a authoritative father will step back and look for another prey.
Don't think for a moment that by saying "no" will lead them to grow up with a warped personality or appear on Oprah Winfrey show saying my father deprived me from this and that.
1 Kings 5-6
Verse 5: This man is full of pride. Why? Look at next verse.
Verse 6: "His father had not rebuked him anytime". They grew up thinking the world revolves around them. God tells us to train our children based on His wisdom, not based on psychology.
We always think never to displease our children means to be nice to them. That's nonsense!
Never think that your children is too young to be taught. Parents need to teach when they are young. He shared an example of how Justin likes to take the remote control and puts it in his mouth. Pastor as a father said "no" to him a few times and it could be seen that he actually understood - by lowering his hand with remote control.
Facebook is an open-book to parents. Leave it this way. Kids love to say things like " Don't you trust me?" As a father, say "no". Say "I don't trust my flesh too". "Do you want me to send a lady, not your mummy home?"
Pastor shared how back then an older boy attempted to date her daughter. This older boy sent mobile messages with words that was coated with so much with honey that pastor joked whoever reads it may turn diabetic. Pastor called the boy and told him not to contact her daughter anymore. At the same time asked him to inform his parents that Pastor Prince called. This is your child. This is yours.
Don't let others educate your children. Do it yourself. When you see your child reading things not good, tell her.
Adultery always started innocently. It doesn't work by directly going to bed. It doesn't work that way. When you start to feel flirtatious, curb it. It started by sending them home. Next time give them taxi fare. That's being wise.
Proverbs 22:6
Verse 6: Train up a child in the way she should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.
Pastor shares what it really means in Hebrew. The word "train" means chanak. It is to place something into the mouth for tasting. In essence, it means to give your child a taste of God. There comes a time your children needs to taste God. Don't deprive your children from the youth ministry. They may not like it. Lead them, train them in a way he should go. The word "go" in the verse above means peh - mouth. When they look back, they will remember their first encounter with God, or even that church camp. Until today, Pastor still remembers the first time he encountered Jesus and the first song he learnt during Sunday school - Silent Night.
Don't think for one moment that children cannot sense things. Train them to speak well, the language of the promised land. If you leave it to them to speak unpleasant words, next time when they are angry, these words comes out automatically. This is being demon-controlled - don't misunderstand it with demon-possessed because this never happens to God's child.
Another scripture that's going to blow your mind.
2 Timothy 3:15
Verse 15: Paul told Timothy this verse. "Salvation" means wise in handling your health, finances. Don't always think that salvation only just means saviour.
2 Timothy 1:5
Verse 5: It was Timothy's grandmother who taught this to his mother, Eunice. It has to be taught.
Back to 2 Timothy 3:15, the word "child" is brefos which actually means foetus, or a new born child. It is used on babies, not for toddlers. With that in mind, from a baby, they hast known the holy scriptures. Don't care if they understand or not, sing scriptures over your child. They can sense the blessings of the scriptures.
Pharaohs in the bible is a picture of satan. Moses is a type of Christ. There are 4 objections of satan. The 4th one is for children.
Exodus 10:7-12
Verse 9: "We will go with our young, our sons and daughters, because we must hold a feast to the LORD."
Let your children taste Jesus.
Verse 10: This is how the satan talks according to this verse. Satan says, since you believe in the Lord, then you go, leave the children behind.
Since you enjoy the things of God, you should also let them have a taste and not deprive them. Do you want to leave them in Egypt?
Don't allow the PG13 rating become the license for your child to watch the movie. You be the parent.
Even though your teen has been led astray, you know they have already tasted Jesus before and will always come back. God will always restore what the locusts have taken. Dare to displease your children. Don't think that children are stupid, they can sense your sincerity. God has already given you the charisma, wisdom and authority. So you don't have to shout at them. Speak like a man of God and your words will carry weight.
Be like godly Caleb, even though he was 40 years old, he was able to take the land. People of faith don't grow old. Even when he was 85 years old, he drove the giants away. This inheritance is yours to take. Don't say the social media is too much to take. Take the land like the mighty Caleb.
In closing,
Pastor will say a prayer for everyone to possess a spirit of honour and weightiness to come upon everyone present.
Sunday, October 14, 2012
14 October 2012
Topic: Panoramic View of God's purposes
A testimony of a man in New Jersey who was removed from addiction to pornography.
Another testimony of a couple who was healed from cyst in one of her ovaries.
Pastor to share a panoramic view of God's plans and purposes for us. Pastor asked how many have actually noticed that the world is not perfect and is a fallen world? Jesus will return. Only when He returns then it will be a perfect world. This earth we are in is not what God ordained it to be. Man wasn't meant to feel bored. That is why the bible calls death as an enemy. The last enemy to be put under Jesus feet is death. Something in us, the image of God, tells us that death is not meant to be. That is why we cry at funerals.
The prayer: Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven in essence means abundance, peace, healing that is in heaven will also be present on earth.
When God made man, He said it was very good. The rest He created were just good. God created man last so that we can enjoy all the good. Our bible says God supply all our needs and we shall not want. Whereas the world says He supplies our needs but not wants.
God gave an oversupply of blessings when He just created Adam and Eve, because it is just 2 of them. He is always a superabounding God. He instructed man to eat all trees and told man not to eat from the only tree. So why did God created that tree? This was a demonstration for man to have a free choice. It is just like tithing. It is to recognise Him as your source. This is the secret which the world doesn't understand. The 90% goes further than the 100% of the world. When you acknowledge God, He blesses you more and more, you get richer and richer.
If God were to use His power to stop Adam from taking from that tree, it would not be a free choice. Just like many men dream of being able to control his wife. In reality, this will not last because we are not created to enjoy robots.
You can say you have the free choice and not be bothered about the consequences. It's true you have a free choice. But if you place your finger in the fire, it does not mean that you will not face the consequences.
God is love. But He is also justice. If there is no justice, there will be no order. Therefore sin must be punished. It is just like you hating the disease in your baby. How much you hate the disease is how much you love your baby. It is the same way as how much God hated sin. He hates sin just as much as He loves you. So, somebody has to pay for sin. Adam and Eve wanted to pay for their own sins by demonstration of covering themselves with "salad dressing". It was God who clothed them with coats of skin. It was a beautiful picture of His son dying for our sins. The covering Adam provided is not perfect because it was through man's effort. The covering provided by God is perfect.
God then said to the snake that the woman's seed will crush your head. God was actually prophesying the virgin birth. It was not too long ago that it was found out that the placenta of the mother does not go to the baby. Sin is in the blood but Jesus came through royal blood. It is only through innocent blood that the guilty can be forgiven. In the past, the blood of bulls and goats last only for a year. Jesus blood last eternally. We love Him much because we are forgiven much.
Ever since sin came forth, depression, sickness, poverty and ultimately death came in. But the devil does not know when Jesus is coming. That was why he instigated the fight between Cain and Abel. Its ultimate purpose is to stop Jesus from shedding the blood for all mankind.
The negative effects of the earth are still present today. Some may think that it is God's will not to heal anyone today. But it that is true, definitely the bible will show at least there is someone who wasn't healed when Jesus walked on earth.
God will never force good righteous life, blessings and other good things in your life. He respects your free choice.
Romans 5:20
The verse says that law entered. This word "entered" is pareiserchomai - come alongside, come in by stealth. This shows that it was not God's agenda. However, man was proud and challenged God that they are able to keep the law. The law came on the side. It was not given for man to obey. Law was given so that sin (offense) will increase. So at the end of the Ten Commandments, God provided man to bring sacrificial animals. David, Solomon and other great man of God were blessed because they offered burnt offerings. It was only when man started to worship other gods and stopped burnt offerings that caused the blessings to stop. You know these burnt offerings were only temporal. Jesus' blood takes away all your sins and lasts a lifetime.
Do you think you need grace in this life? When Jesus saved you, do you think you were really good? If that's what you think, it's very likely you are not saved.
We still need laws to govern nations. But how many know that it is only to guard the outward manner of man. We believers are under grace. If you have to command someone, it means that person is lacking of that thing. God wants you not to commit adultery and love your wife. God wants you not to steal because He will provide. Adam and Eve were led to believe that God doesn't love them.
The logic of unbelief is really stupid comparing with the simple belief of a little child. Many of us don't stop and think about it. How beautiful is the belief of child-like faith. All along God's main agenda is to save man.
God did not give up His arch angels for you but instead He gave His most precious. See how valuable you are to God.
Pastor jokes that the sermon just started.
People may claim that why does the good suffer? There are no good people that suffer. We do not really know who is really good. Some may appear good for an ulterior motive. The very fact that you ask this question means that you think that there are some good. But Jesus said there are none good. Jesus came to make dead people live. There's no degree of goodness for anyone, just like no degree of bad.
A drowning man is only ready to be saved when he gives up. We interpret events in life like how can the righteous suffer? The bible says the days will only get worse and worse. It is the presence of the church that prevents more crisis that are happening.
Luke 13:1-17
Verse 1: During that time, Galileans were killed. The Romans must have came to Jesus and "told" Him of that.
Verse 2: Then Jesus answered them by asking if those Galileans were the worst sinners? What He means is that all man are all the same - sinners.
Verse 3: Jesus said unless you repent, otherwise you may perish. The word "repent" means to change your mindset. We need to know and accept Jesus as our protection so that we will never have to perish.
Jesus wants to cover you under His wings, away from the bad of the world.
Before we judge or criticise anyone, we need to reflect. We like to criticise to look good ourselves. If not by the grace of God, that person could be you.
Verse 4: Siloam was where the blind man's sight was restored. The Romans despised the people of Galileans. When Jesus came, He levelled everyone in status and saved everyone.
Do you know how much powers of darkness are coming for you if not for God's mercy on you?
Verse 5: Unless you know the true God, you will not perish. Back then, no one believed.
Pastor points out that we really need God's grace. We should stop the criticism-of-others type of nonsense. We are all the same if not for His mercy and grace.
Verse 6: A certain man had a fig tree. It did not say who this man who planted it. In fact, it was planted by somebody. The fruits are grapes- wine.
Self righteousness comes about when you say why do good people suffer. These are the people who rather find fault with God than themselves.
A fig tree is a picture of the law and there were no fruits to be seen.
Refer to Deuteronomy 22:9 to read on the fig tree.
Verse 7: The keeper is Jesus himself. For three years God's ministry was on earth.
Verse 8: It is the fourth year. The word "fertilise" is dung in KJV. So what is dung?
In Philippians 3:8-9, dung is all your so called achievements people are proud of in the natural. In verse 9, it says it is only through the righteousness of faith. A lot of people are still holding onto their own righteousness. Jesus couldn't find enough "dung" to save Jerusalem.
There is no logic of you being 30% good and 70% bad kind of theory.
It doesn't mean we are perfect. It means our standing with God is perfect. Now that you are born again, your new identity is in the risen Christ. What good works you do cannot change your own self.
In closing,
How much of grace do you really need? Some always think they have a part to play. Even today, there are still people who are still hankering on their life. That is the reason you are disappointed. Look away outside your self, look at Christ.
From now on, you will not be judged on who you are, or through your thoughts. You are only judged by the death of Jesus Christ. Literally God is saying, start to identify yourself. The bad thoughts are not the real you. The real you has been crucified on the cross and is now at God's right hand.
Depression is being occupied with yourself while being happy is to be occupied with Christ.
The moment you realise that, you become Christ occupied. We need all of His grace. Many major events are now happening around the world. The world and the smarts are coming to an end.
In the bible, when the children of Israel yearned for quail eggs in the desert, God made quails flew low for them. When God breathes and sends His grace coming for you, things will happen for you. You don't have to strive or compete.
Many of times we thank God for the close encounters but we do not thank Him for protecting us from the unseen. We need His grace even for the air we breathe in everyday.
If you act like you only need Him in your life, Jesus will extend His wings. If you have something to do this week, trust in Him, He will bring you through. Do not worry about what is next to come because His manna comes fresh everyday. Jesus has already gone into your Mondays, Tuesdays and has already removed all the danger. What you need to say during your meetings or presentations and your feeling have already been well taken care of.
Be cool and rest in Him!
A testimony of a man in New Jersey who was removed from addiction to pornography.
Another testimony of a couple who was healed from cyst in one of her ovaries.
Pastor to share a panoramic view of God's plans and purposes for us. Pastor asked how many have actually noticed that the world is not perfect and is a fallen world? Jesus will return. Only when He returns then it will be a perfect world. This earth we are in is not what God ordained it to be. Man wasn't meant to feel bored. That is why the bible calls death as an enemy. The last enemy to be put under Jesus feet is death. Something in us, the image of God, tells us that death is not meant to be. That is why we cry at funerals.
The prayer: Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven in essence means abundance, peace, healing that is in heaven will also be present on earth.
When God made man, He said it was very good. The rest He created were just good. God created man last so that we can enjoy all the good. Our bible says God supply all our needs and we shall not want. Whereas the world says He supplies our needs but not wants.
God gave an oversupply of blessings when He just created Adam and Eve, because it is just 2 of them. He is always a superabounding God. He instructed man to eat all trees and told man not to eat from the only tree. So why did God created that tree? This was a demonstration for man to have a free choice. It is just like tithing. It is to recognise Him as your source. This is the secret which the world doesn't understand. The 90% goes further than the 100% of the world. When you acknowledge God, He blesses you more and more, you get richer and richer.
If God were to use His power to stop Adam from taking from that tree, it would not be a free choice. Just like many men dream of being able to control his wife. In reality, this will not last because we are not created to enjoy robots.
You can say you have the free choice and not be bothered about the consequences. It's true you have a free choice. But if you place your finger in the fire, it does not mean that you will not face the consequences.
God is love. But He is also justice. If there is no justice, there will be no order. Therefore sin must be punished. It is just like you hating the disease in your baby. How much you hate the disease is how much you love your baby. It is the same way as how much God hated sin. He hates sin just as much as He loves you. So, somebody has to pay for sin. Adam and Eve wanted to pay for their own sins by demonstration of covering themselves with "salad dressing". It was God who clothed them with coats of skin. It was a beautiful picture of His son dying for our sins. The covering Adam provided is not perfect because it was through man's effort. The covering provided by God is perfect.
God then said to the snake that the woman's seed will crush your head. God was actually prophesying the virgin birth. It was not too long ago that it was found out that the placenta of the mother does not go to the baby. Sin is in the blood but Jesus came through royal blood. It is only through innocent blood that the guilty can be forgiven. In the past, the blood of bulls and goats last only for a year. Jesus blood last eternally. We love Him much because we are forgiven much.
Ever since sin came forth, depression, sickness, poverty and ultimately death came in. But the devil does not know when Jesus is coming. That was why he instigated the fight between Cain and Abel. Its ultimate purpose is to stop Jesus from shedding the blood for all mankind.
The negative effects of the earth are still present today. Some may think that it is God's will not to heal anyone today. But it that is true, definitely the bible will show at least there is someone who wasn't healed when Jesus walked on earth.
God will never force good righteous life, blessings and other good things in your life. He respects your free choice.
Romans 5:20
The verse says that law entered. This word "entered" is pareiserchomai - come alongside, come in by stealth. This shows that it was not God's agenda. However, man was proud and challenged God that they are able to keep the law. The law came on the side. It was not given for man to obey. Law was given so that sin (offense) will increase. So at the end of the Ten Commandments, God provided man to bring sacrificial animals. David, Solomon and other great man of God were blessed because they offered burnt offerings. It was only when man started to worship other gods and stopped burnt offerings that caused the blessings to stop. You know these burnt offerings were only temporal. Jesus' blood takes away all your sins and lasts a lifetime.
Do you think you need grace in this life? When Jesus saved you, do you think you were really good? If that's what you think, it's very likely you are not saved.
We still need laws to govern nations. But how many know that it is only to guard the outward manner of man. We believers are under grace. If you have to command someone, it means that person is lacking of that thing. God wants you not to commit adultery and love your wife. God wants you not to steal because He will provide. Adam and Eve were led to believe that God doesn't love them.
The logic of unbelief is really stupid comparing with the simple belief of a little child. Many of us don't stop and think about it. How beautiful is the belief of child-like faith. All along God's main agenda is to save man.
God did not give up His arch angels for you but instead He gave His most precious. See how valuable you are to God.
Pastor jokes that the sermon just started.
People may claim that why does the good suffer? There are no good people that suffer. We do not really know who is really good. Some may appear good for an ulterior motive. The very fact that you ask this question means that you think that there are some good. But Jesus said there are none good. Jesus came to make dead people live. There's no degree of goodness for anyone, just like no degree of bad.
A drowning man is only ready to be saved when he gives up. We interpret events in life like how can the righteous suffer? The bible says the days will only get worse and worse. It is the presence of the church that prevents more crisis that are happening.
Luke 13:1-17
Verse 1: During that time, Galileans were killed. The Romans must have came to Jesus and "told" Him of that.
Verse 2: Then Jesus answered them by asking if those Galileans were the worst sinners? What He means is that all man are all the same - sinners.
Verse 3: Jesus said unless you repent, otherwise you may perish. The word "repent" means to change your mindset. We need to know and accept Jesus as our protection so that we will never have to perish.
Jesus wants to cover you under His wings, away from the bad of the world.
Before we judge or criticise anyone, we need to reflect. We like to criticise to look good ourselves. If not by the grace of God, that person could be you.
Verse 4: Siloam was where the blind man's sight was restored. The Romans despised the people of Galileans. When Jesus came, He levelled everyone in status and saved everyone.
Do you know how much powers of darkness are coming for you if not for God's mercy on you?
Verse 5: Unless you know the true God, you will not perish. Back then, no one believed.
Pastor points out that we really need God's grace. We should stop the criticism-of-others type of nonsense. We are all the same if not for His mercy and grace.
Verse 6: A certain man had a fig tree. It did not say who this man who planted it. In fact, it was planted by somebody. The fruits are grapes- wine.
Self righteousness comes about when you say why do good people suffer. These are the people who rather find fault with God than themselves.
A fig tree is a picture of the law and there were no fruits to be seen.
Refer to Deuteronomy 22:9 to read on the fig tree.
Verse 7: The keeper is Jesus himself. For three years God's ministry was on earth.
Verse 8: It is the fourth year. The word "fertilise" is dung in KJV. So what is dung?
In Philippians 3:8-9, dung is all your so called achievements people are proud of in the natural. In verse 9, it says it is only through the righteousness of faith. A lot of people are still holding onto their own righteousness. Jesus couldn't find enough "dung" to save Jerusalem.
There is no logic of you being 30% good and 70% bad kind of theory.
It doesn't mean we are perfect. It means our standing with God is perfect. Now that you are born again, your new identity is in the risen Christ. What good works you do cannot change your own self.
In closing,
How much of grace do you really need? Some always think they have a part to play. Even today, there are still people who are still hankering on their life. That is the reason you are disappointed. Look away outside your self, look at Christ.
From now on, you will not be judged on who you are, or through your thoughts. You are only judged by the death of Jesus Christ. Literally God is saying, start to identify yourself. The bad thoughts are not the real you. The real you has been crucified on the cross and is now at God's right hand.
Depression is being occupied with yourself while being happy is to be occupied with Christ.
The moment you realise that, you become Christ occupied. We need all of His grace. Many major events are now happening around the world. The world and the smarts are coming to an end.
In the bible, when the children of Israel yearned for quail eggs in the desert, God made quails flew low for them. When God breathes and sends His grace coming for you, things will happen for you. You don't have to strive or compete.
Many of times we thank God for the close encounters but we do not thank Him for protecting us from the unseen. We need His grace even for the air we breathe in everyday.
If you act like you only need Him in your life, Jesus will extend His wings. If you have something to do this week, trust in Him, He will bring you through. Do not worry about what is next to come because His manna comes fresh everyday. Jesus has already gone into your Mondays, Tuesdays and has already removed all the danger. What you need to say during your meetings or presentations and your feeling have already been well taken care of.
Be cool and rest in Him!
Sunday, September 23, 2012
23 September 2012
Topic: The Gospel of Christ
Video highlights of the recent Israel trip is shown. The witness of the Founder of TBN, Dr Paul Crouch imparting TBN over to his son, Matthew Crouch. Pastor Prince prayed for the impartation of Dr Paul's ministry to the next generation after 39 years. The 40th year is a representation of a new generation in God's system.
It was an amazing video highlight throughout. The congregation stood up in praise to welcome Pastor Prince!
Pastor shared about the Southern Steps where they stood during the trip. It is now 2000 years old and definitely it was where our Lord Jesus once stood. That was also where Peter preached and 3000 were baptised. It was awesome that Pastor Prince had the honour to stand at the same spot to spread the gospel. It is truly by grace that our church is part of this revolution. Even the caretaker of the Southern Steps remarked that this was the largest group in history that ever was here. The last biggest turnout dated back to probably the time of Peter in the bible.
Only God can give you influence and honour. God wants Jesus his son to be the center. When 2 or 3 are gathered, Jesus is in the midst. Many pastors in the world are impacted by the grace message. It has to be God to cause the church to be of such impact, especially so when we are just a small dot on the map.
So are you ready for the message today?
Gospel means good news. It does not mean new rules as some preachers are saying. These are warped teachings.
Acts 20:24
Verse 24: The gospel is the "gospel of the grace of God". The gospel is the Christians' health, armour, prosperity, health, etc. When the gospel is preached, nations are turned around, lack becomes prosperity! The fruits of this gospel are love, joy, peace, self-control and humility. Grace is not a message. It is the grace of God. Grace means unmerited favor.
Angels follow us, demons flee because we have His righteousness. God treated Jesus like the worst sinner on the cross 2000 years ago. Likewise, today we are the most favored person by God!
Galatians 1:6-10
Verse 6: Removed from the grace of Christ to another means to take grace out from the gospel.
Verse 7: There are new gospels all over the world and there are people who pervert the gospel of Christ. As usual, man always wants to be a part of the work.
Verse 8: Although we (he includes himself), preach another gospel, let him be a curse. Paul says this to address those who twist the good news.
Verse 9: Anyone who doesn't preach the gospel of grace shall be a curse - Notice curse is repeated again. It becomes a double curse; double negative.
Pastor then asked the Lord why was there a double curse to anyone who does not preach the grace message.
Jesus revealed that if there was no curse was in place, their mixture of these evil ones will spread. This curse will stop them from their influence. Since then, Pastor decided to preach the grace message radically knowing that the blessings will surely be double since theoretically, the curse can be double too.
Verse 10: Paul is saying if you don't preach grace, you are being a pleaser to man. However, grace makes nothing of man.
Romans 1:16-17
Verse 16: Salvation means if you are sick, Jesus is your healing. If you are poor, Jesus is your prosperity.
The greatest thing you can do is to preach the gospel to your parents, your family, anyone.Come back to abundance, peace and love. Jesus is not angry with you.
Where there is much sin, grace superabound. Paul must have preached radically to receive accusations. If you preach like Paul, you will have the same results as Paul. Something is wrong if you preach the message and no one misunderstands and accuses you.
Romans 5:17
Verse 17: It talks about those who receive the gift of righteousness. See clearly that it is a gift, not a gift through works. If there is a lack in your life, you will reign! This is what Paul preached.
Imagine you are the devil, you will definitely be attacking the 2 gifts of God - gift of righteousness and gift of abundance.
Righteousness by faith (not by works) is being robbed today. Everyone can see your faults. Righteousness by faith means God sees you blameless even if you make mistakes. You are forever perfect in God's eyes. It is God's eyes that matters, not how man's eyes matter. We can be righteous by faith.
The gospel gives you moral excellence. You don't have to try. If you see the gospel angry, you become angry too. Jesus did not say to beat His sheep.
2 Chronicles 12:9-11
Verse 9: Solomon's gold shields got stolen by Shishak (in Hebrews it means greedy of fine linen)
Verse 10: These gold shields were replaced with bronze. Bronze shield looks like gold when polished.
So what does it signify? Everything is significant when mentioned in the bible.
Shield signifies the shield of faith according to Ephesians 6.
Gold signifies divine righteousness by faith.
Today, the enemy is trying to rob the church of righteousness of faith.
Truth revealed:
Your child needs to know if they are still loved if they do wrong. Your love empowers them to do right. The woman must feel insecure before she can give herself to another man. Your good child can purposely do wrong to see if you truly practice grace.
Back to the 2 Chronicles, Bronze is a representation of judgement. That is what's happening today. The gold shield is lost and replaced with bronze. Bronze is totally of different substance. Don't make the pulpit to be a place of discipline just because you want to target someone who made you unhappy.
Jude 1-4
Verse 1: Jude and James are actually physical brothers of Jesus.
Verse 4: There were certain men who crept in unnoticed. "turn the grace of our God in lewdness".
"turn" means metatithemi:
1. To transfer
2. To change
3. To transfer one's self or suffer one's self to be transferred.
It means if grace is removed from the gospel, Jesus is removed from the gospel.
Galatians 1:6-10
Verse 6: The word "removed" is metatithemi, same as the verse in Jude.
Transpose means to change place and interchange.
Webster's Translation of transpose means to substitute.
There are sermons where Jesus is not in the picture.
Jude 11
Verse 11: "In the way of Cain" - Cain murdered Abel and a representation of performance. Cain brought his own fruits to God thinking it is through works.
This is a story of someone believing he is righteous killing someone who believes he is righteous by faith.
"The error of Balaam". Balaam is a prophet. He was hired because he is able to curse someone successfully. He attempted to curse God's people but instead words of blessing came forth his mouth.
God will never allow any wizards, witches to cast a spell and bring you under the curse. No one is able to curse what God has blessed. Balaam agreed to do so because he was paid - "for profit". Pastor reminds that no one should counsel for money. Same goes for healing. No one can come to you to ask for money in order to receive healing. One can never purchase God's blessings.
You are not under a generation of curses.
A survey showed that children learn to fear from parents. It has shown that children are born with 2 fears - falling and loud sounds. The rest are learnt from parents. Pastor Gabriel shared that his son looked at his parents when he falls before deciding to cry. Imagine your reaction made your child feel that it was serious, your child will interpret it as that way.
In closing,
Why are they so many people who are burnt out? They have not listen to the high priest. We in New Creation Church learn that as He is, so are we in this world.
If you exalt God's son, God will exalt you. If you honour Him, He will honour you. Let's us spread the gospel to the world.
Video highlights of the recent Israel trip is shown. The witness of the Founder of TBN, Dr Paul Crouch imparting TBN over to his son, Matthew Crouch. Pastor Prince prayed for the impartation of Dr Paul's ministry to the next generation after 39 years. The 40th year is a representation of a new generation in God's system.
It was an amazing video highlight throughout. The congregation stood up in praise to welcome Pastor Prince!
Pastor shared about the Southern Steps where they stood during the trip. It is now 2000 years old and definitely it was where our Lord Jesus once stood. That was also where Peter preached and 3000 were baptised. It was awesome that Pastor Prince had the honour to stand at the same spot to spread the gospel. It is truly by grace that our church is part of this revolution. Even the caretaker of the Southern Steps remarked that this was the largest group in history that ever was here. The last biggest turnout dated back to probably the time of Peter in the bible.
Only God can give you influence and honour. God wants Jesus his son to be the center. When 2 or 3 are gathered, Jesus is in the midst. Many pastors in the world are impacted by the grace message. It has to be God to cause the church to be of such impact, especially so when we are just a small dot on the map.
So are you ready for the message today?
Gospel means good news. It does not mean new rules as some preachers are saying. These are warped teachings.
Acts 20:24
Verse 24: The gospel is the "gospel of the grace of God". The gospel is the Christians' health, armour, prosperity, health, etc. When the gospel is preached, nations are turned around, lack becomes prosperity! The fruits of this gospel are love, joy, peace, self-control and humility. Grace is not a message. It is the grace of God. Grace means unmerited favor.
Angels follow us, demons flee because we have His righteousness. God treated Jesus like the worst sinner on the cross 2000 years ago. Likewise, today we are the most favored person by God!
Galatians 1:6-10
Verse 6: Removed from the grace of Christ to another means to take grace out from the gospel.
Verse 7: There are new gospels all over the world and there are people who pervert the gospel of Christ. As usual, man always wants to be a part of the work.
Verse 8: Although we (he includes himself), preach another gospel, let him be a curse. Paul says this to address those who twist the good news.
Verse 9: Anyone who doesn't preach the gospel of grace shall be a curse - Notice curse is repeated again. It becomes a double curse; double negative.
Pastor then asked the Lord why was there a double curse to anyone who does not preach the grace message.
Jesus revealed that if there was no curse was in place, their mixture of these evil ones will spread. This curse will stop them from their influence. Since then, Pastor decided to preach the grace message radically knowing that the blessings will surely be double since theoretically, the curse can be double too.
Verse 10: Paul is saying if you don't preach grace, you are being a pleaser to man. However, grace makes nothing of man.
Romans 1:16-17
Verse 16: Salvation means if you are sick, Jesus is your healing. If you are poor, Jesus is your prosperity.
The greatest thing you can do is to preach the gospel to your parents, your family, anyone.Come back to abundance, peace and love. Jesus is not angry with you.
Where there is much sin, grace superabound. Paul must have preached radically to receive accusations. If you preach like Paul, you will have the same results as Paul. Something is wrong if you preach the message and no one misunderstands and accuses you.
Romans 5:17
Verse 17: It talks about those who receive the gift of righteousness. See clearly that it is a gift, not a gift through works. If there is a lack in your life, you will reign! This is what Paul preached.
Imagine you are the devil, you will definitely be attacking the 2 gifts of God - gift of righteousness and gift of abundance.
Righteousness by faith (not by works) is being robbed today. Everyone can see your faults. Righteousness by faith means God sees you blameless even if you make mistakes. You are forever perfect in God's eyes. It is God's eyes that matters, not how man's eyes matter. We can be righteous by faith.
The gospel gives you moral excellence. You don't have to try. If you see the gospel angry, you become angry too. Jesus did not say to beat His sheep.
2 Chronicles 12:9-11
Verse 9: Solomon's gold shields got stolen by Shishak (in Hebrews it means greedy of fine linen)
Verse 10: These gold shields were replaced with bronze. Bronze shield looks like gold when polished.
So what does it signify? Everything is significant when mentioned in the bible.
Shield signifies the shield of faith according to Ephesians 6.
Gold signifies divine righteousness by faith.
Today, the enemy is trying to rob the church of righteousness of faith.
Truth revealed:
Your child needs to know if they are still loved if they do wrong. Your love empowers them to do right. The woman must feel insecure before she can give herself to another man. Your good child can purposely do wrong to see if you truly practice grace.
Back to the 2 Chronicles, Bronze is a representation of judgement. That is what's happening today. The gold shield is lost and replaced with bronze. Bronze is totally of different substance. Don't make the pulpit to be a place of discipline just because you want to target someone who made you unhappy.
Jude 1-4
Verse 1: Jude and James are actually physical brothers of Jesus.
Verse 4: There were certain men who crept in unnoticed. "turn the grace of our God in lewdness".
"turn" means metatithemi:
1. To transfer
2. To change
3. To transfer one's self or suffer one's self to be transferred.
It means if grace is removed from the gospel, Jesus is removed from the gospel.
Galatians 1:6-10
Verse 6: The word "removed" is metatithemi, same as the verse in Jude.
Transpose means to change place and interchange.
Webster's Translation of transpose means to substitute.
There are sermons where Jesus is not in the picture.
Jude 11
Verse 11: "In the way of Cain" - Cain murdered Abel and a representation of performance. Cain brought his own fruits to God thinking it is through works.
This is a story of someone believing he is righteous killing someone who believes he is righteous by faith.
"The error of Balaam". Balaam is a prophet. He was hired because he is able to curse someone successfully. He attempted to curse God's people but instead words of blessing came forth his mouth.
God will never allow any wizards, witches to cast a spell and bring you under the curse. No one is able to curse what God has blessed. Balaam agreed to do so because he was paid - "for profit". Pastor reminds that no one should counsel for money. Same goes for healing. No one can come to you to ask for money in order to receive healing. One can never purchase God's blessings.
You are not under a generation of curses.
A survey showed that children learn to fear from parents. It has shown that children are born with 2 fears - falling and loud sounds. The rest are learnt from parents. Pastor Gabriel shared that his son looked at his parents when he falls before deciding to cry. Imagine your reaction made your child feel that it was serious, your child will interpret it as that way.
In closing,
Why are they so many people who are burnt out? They have not listen to the high priest. We in New Creation Church learn that as He is, so are we in this world.
If you exalt God's son, God will exalt you. If you honour Him, He will honour you. Let's us spread the gospel to the world.
Monday, August 20, 2012
19 August 2012
Topic: Righteousness Through One Man's Sacrifice
Powerful video testimony of how a lady whose husband's was healed of 4th stage cancer, blessed with a new home and a new car. She shared about sowing to the Miracle Seed Sunday even during tough times financially - medical treatments for her husband.
Pastor pointed out that there is this very special anointing in church since morning. God who is the first and the last, the One who placed you in Him, there is no predecessor, the One who calmed the storms, the One who was in the burning bush, how much more would He not freely give you all things.
He's in heaven bodily and one day He will ride on His white horse with many crowns and many who reject Him will see him in awe. Revelation 10 says His face shone like a sun and a rainbow around His head - means no more condemnation. John saw these in Him in the book of Revelation. Pastor showed a photograph of a sun surrounded with a rainbow seen all over Singapore yesterday.
The opportunity and privilege to be able to give to Him through Miracle Seed Sunday is better than being a spectator to others who become blessed. This is the power to get wealth. Many people who are in power do not have the smarts. The bible did not say money is the root of all evil. The love for money is. Make money work for you and not the other way round. He can get the blessing through you and get the blessing to you.
Right into the word..
Don't put your eyes on pastors, keep your eyes to Jesus. Don't look to others even though they are looking at Jesus. Look to Jesus yourself and experience His goodness yourself.
Romans 6:9-13
Verse 9: Death has no dominion over Him. He died in our place. God being just has to punish lawlessness. God is love, He does not want you to bear the brunt of His anger. So He sent His son.
Think about it this way. God sent down His son to die for "criminals" and to those who rejected Him. God sent down His wrath and Jesus absorbed all the judgement. There came the rainbow that so that today we can receive His blessings. It's a divine exchange!
Verse 10 & 11: "Likewise" means "in the same manner". Jesus died once and for all. In the same way, reckon yourself to be dead in sin. "Died" means to die. Not to die again. Knowing that there is no condemnation, it empowers one to go and sin no more. However many believe that once believers know this truth, they will go sin somemore. The erroneous idea people like to put others under guilt, insecurity and condemnation is totally warped.
In 1938, the Golden Gate in San Francisco was built. If you learnt about how it was built, you would know why sense of security brings forth postive results. During Phase 1, 23 fell to their deaths. Initially the management wanted to put a stop to the construction work. Instead, they built a very large safety net, costing US$100,00 which was a significant figure back then. After that, only 10 people fell but were saved by the net. It was later known that after the net was built, the construction took 10-15% faster to complete. What does it show? The sense of security gives people a greater awareness of knowing they are safe, leading them to perform better and above expectations. So what is this idea of preachers who preach a message of condemnation?
Verse 12: "Therefore" means to read further to find out why. Do not let sin reign in your body. Know this truth and it will set you free.
Verse 13: Notice holiness comes right after the correct doctrine and truth. Our sins were already punished once and for all. So that now our sins can never be punished twice again. For once, the law is on our side.
Beautiful truth revealed: "God judges you righteous because of what Jesus has done for you."
Romans 6:14-18
Verse 14: Sin does not have power over you when you are not under law. Under law, sin has power. Under grace, sin loses its power.
Verse 15: Paul says so shall we sin under grace? Thes are the typical preachers and believers who come hard on grace. The more attracted to God makes you more attracted to grace. God designed the law to stir up your sinful passions. The idea is not to try. But to trust.
Verse 16: Many interprete this wrongly to say, "Don't sin or you will die". Paul is referring to the "slave whom you obey". Paul is saying we cannot be righteous through our works. It is His obedience, not ours. We have 2 choices: "Sin leading to death" and "obedience leading to righteousness".
Lets go to Romans 5:17-19:
Verse 17: Death was never God's plan. Jesus hated it as much as you do. Death came through one man's sin - Adam. Adam is like the federal head. Whatever happens to him goes down generations. It may sound unfair but this is literally how it works. By one man's sin we become sinners. Every baby born in this world is born with a taint of sin in the blood. Actually it's not unfair, it is a fact. This is not religion. This is a reality. Whatever Adam did, but what Jesus did is much more. "... much more those who receive abundance of grace.." we reign in life. God's system is the more you receive, the more you reign in life.
Verse 18: If you believe much more in the word, prosperity, healing and protection becomes much more natural in the flesh. Death has no more stint in the believer. Pastor believes that before the plane even crashes, Jesus already took the believer away and he is in a deep sleep. The believer does not even have to go through the impact.
So by one man's obedience, many are made righteous. Earlier you were saying it's unfair to be made sinners. But now you are made unfairly righteous! God blesses you better than the hottest thing on planet earth. This is not any statement in Destined to Reign book. This is bible quoting bible.
Now we go back to Romans 6:16.
Verse 16: Many interpret this just as if you sin and you die. Many negate Romans 5 (the earlier verse). God wants you to be a skywalker. Are you living your life under Adam or under Christ? When you wake up every morning, do you submit to negative thoughts or the obedience of Christ? Our obedience can go up and down in a day. If you always obey your own obedience, you are always caught in the losing end. For example, you walk in to office and your colleague tells you he is diagnosed with a sickness. He asks you to pray for him. But earlier you showed your temper, honked at others. Do you notice that when you feel like you have not "obeyed", such prayers does not work? Straight away when you pray, know that it is His obedience that healing flows, not yours.
Pastor blurts out: "You cannot undo your righteousness. Otherwise it means sin is greater than His righteousness."
Do you have more faith in sin or His righteousness each day you wake up? Keep your eyes on Jesus. Because Jesus is forever in heaven, it means your righteousness is forever.
Verse 17: Obeying the good doctrine. Once you believe the gospel, you will be freed from sin. The gospel is an imprint. You now are printed with His righteousness.
Verse 18: Having being set free from sin (noun), you become slaves of righteousness (noun). Even if you do wrong, God still sees you righteous. Jesus did the prison break for you. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful.
In the book of Proverbs, the seed of the righteous will be delivered.
Notice all these comes right after believing right.
Pastors shares something in his heart:
Marilyn Hickey once said she saw a beautiful Singapore years ago. She asked one thing which contributed to the beauty of Singapore. Pastor replied "Honour". We were taught to repect everyone since young. Greet everyone, saying "please" for each request and to repect the government. But now, dishonour is something that is becoming prevalent today. Social media is just a tool. Pastor is not saying you cannot disagree with the government's view. Disagree with honour.
Look at Romans 13:1. Israel were under the authority of Romans back then. In those days, people were crucified publicly for mistakes did. Whatever is it, our government is not Romans-alike. Because David honoured the anointing, he became anointed himself. The anointing is on the office, so honour that office. We should learnt to respect that honour as we dignify ourselves too.
But Pastor, "I honour my husband but he does silly things!". When you are humble, God raises you up. When God talks to your husband, it will surely get through.
Esther submitted to Haggai who was a very gentle man. Then, she found favour in the king. You think you lose out when you submit. But truth is when you submit, you find favour in your husband.
Romans 16:25-26
Verse 26: God has not manifested the gospel for obedience to the faith. This is the new obedience.
In closing,
Galatians 2:11-16
James is a believer. When James brought the people down, Paul saw the hypocrisy- pretending to be what you are. Stop pretending to be a sinner.
Verse 14: We walk uprightly by believing the truth. Believe what God says, the gospel.
Pastor shares about One-North. The Star won 4 consecutive awards and the designer is an Israeli.
The cities of refuge in Israel is scattered in 4 areas, North, South, East and West. It is for those who commit crimes to run there so that the law cannot catch them. The refuge is headed by priests. It is 6 cities and mentioned in sequence. Each refuge is a picture of a local church. The sequence is Kedesh, Shedem, Hebron, Bezer Ramoth and Golan. Back then, Pastor joined the cities with lines in appearance on the map only to be astounded with what he saw. Exactly the side view of the Star! This is the upper room where God gives. When the holy spirit fell, it is in the upper room. God is showing that us that the Star is a symbolism of the cities of refuge. It is amazing that God leaves His fingerprints in the Star.
Pastor prepares for Miracle Seed Sunday and worship is lined up next.
Powerful video testimony of how a lady whose husband's was healed of 4th stage cancer, blessed with a new home and a new car. She shared about sowing to the Miracle Seed Sunday even during tough times financially - medical treatments for her husband.
Pastor pointed out that there is this very special anointing in church since morning. God who is the first and the last, the One who placed you in Him, there is no predecessor, the One who calmed the storms, the One who was in the burning bush, how much more would He not freely give you all things.
He's in heaven bodily and one day He will ride on His white horse with many crowns and many who reject Him will see him in awe. Revelation 10 says His face shone like a sun and a rainbow around His head - means no more condemnation. John saw these in Him in the book of Revelation. Pastor showed a photograph of a sun surrounded with a rainbow seen all over Singapore yesterday.
The opportunity and privilege to be able to give to Him through Miracle Seed Sunday is better than being a spectator to others who become blessed. This is the power to get wealth. Many people who are in power do not have the smarts. The bible did not say money is the root of all evil. The love for money is. Make money work for you and not the other way round. He can get the blessing through you and get the blessing to you.
Right into the word..
Don't put your eyes on pastors, keep your eyes to Jesus. Don't look to others even though they are looking at Jesus. Look to Jesus yourself and experience His goodness yourself.
Romans 6:9-13
Verse 9: Death has no dominion over Him. He died in our place. God being just has to punish lawlessness. God is love, He does not want you to bear the brunt of His anger. So He sent His son.
Think about it this way. God sent down His son to die for "criminals" and to those who rejected Him. God sent down His wrath and Jesus absorbed all the judgement. There came the rainbow that so that today we can receive His blessings. It's a divine exchange!
Verse 10 & 11: "Likewise" means "in the same manner". Jesus died once and for all. In the same way, reckon yourself to be dead in sin. "Died" means to die. Not to die again. Knowing that there is no condemnation, it empowers one to go and sin no more. However many believe that once believers know this truth, they will go sin somemore. The erroneous idea people like to put others under guilt, insecurity and condemnation is totally warped.
In 1938, the Golden Gate in San Francisco was built. If you learnt about how it was built, you would know why sense of security brings forth postive results. During Phase 1, 23 fell to their deaths. Initially the management wanted to put a stop to the construction work. Instead, they built a very large safety net, costing US$100,00 which was a significant figure back then. After that, only 10 people fell but were saved by the net. It was later known that after the net was built, the construction took 10-15% faster to complete. What does it show? The sense of security gives people a greater awareness of knowing they are safe, leading them to perform better and above expectations. So what is this idea of preachers who preach a message of condemnation?
Verse 12: "Therefore" means to read further to find out why. Do not let sin reign in your body. Know this truth and it will set you free.
Verse 13: Notice holiness comes right after the correct doctrine and truth. Our sins were already punished once and for all. So that now our sins can never be punished twice again. For once, the law is on our side.
Beautiful truth revealed: "God judges you righteous because of what Jesus has done for you."
Romans 6:14-18
Verse 14: Sin does not have power over you when you are not under law. Under law, sin has power. Under grace, sin loses its power.
Verse 15: Paul says so shall we sin under grace? Thes are the typical preachers and believers who come hard on grace. The more attracted to God makes you more attracted to grace. God designed the law to stir up your sinful passions. The idea is not to try. But to trust.
Verse 16: Many interprete this wrongly to say, "Don't sin or you will die". Paul is referring to the "slave whom you obey". Paul is saying we cannot be righteous through our works. It is His obedience, not ours. We have 2 choices: "Sin leading to death" and "obedience leading to righteousness".
Lets go to Romans 5:17-19:
Verse 17: Death was never God's plan. Jesus hated it as much as you do. Death came through one man's sin - Adam. Adam is like the federal head. Whatever happens to him goes down generations. It may sound unfair but this is literally how it works. By one man's sin we become sinners. Every baby born in this world is born with a taint of sin in the blood. Actually it's not unfair, it is a fact. This is not religion. This is a reality. Whatever Adam did, but what Jesus did is much more. "... much more those who receive abundance of grace.." we reign in life. God's system is the more you receive, the more you reign in life.
Verse 18: If you believe much more in the word, prosperity, healing and protection becomes much more natural in the flesh. Death has no more stint in the believer. Pastor believes that before the plane even crashes, Jesus already took the believer away and he is in a deep sleep. The believer does not even have to go through the impact.
So by one man's obedience, many are made righteous. Earlier you were saying it's unfair to be made sinners. But now you are made unfairly righteous! God blesses you better than the hottest thing on planet earth. This is not any statement in Destined to Reign book. This is bible quoting bible.
Now we go back to Romans 6:16.
Verse 16: Many interpret this just as if you sin and you die. Many negate Romans 5 (the earlier verse). God wants you to be a skywalker. Are you living your life under Adam or under Christ? When you wake up every morning, do you submit to negative thoughts or the obedience of Christ? Our obedience can go up and down in a day. If you always obey your own obedience, you are always caught in the losing end. For example, you walk in to office and your colleague tells you he is diagnosed with a sickness. He asks you to pray for him. But earlier you showed your temper, honked at others. Do you notice that when you feel like you have not "obeyed", such prayers does not work? Straight away when you pray, know that it is His obedience that healing flows, not yours.
Pastor blurts out: "You cannot undo your righteousness. Otherwise it means sin is greater than His righteousness."
Do you have more faith in sin or His righteousness each day you wake up? Keep your eyes on Jesus. Because Jesus is forever in heaven, it means your righteousness is forever.
Verse 17: Obeying the good doctrine. Once you believe the gospel, you will be freed from sin. The gospel is an imprint. You now are printed with His righteousness.
Verse 18: Having being set free from sin (noun), you become slaves of righteousness (noun). Even if you do wrong, God still sees you righteous. Jesus did the prison break for you. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful.
In the book of Proverbs, the seed of the righteous will be delivered.
Notice all these comes right after believing right.
Pastors shares something in his heart:
Marilyn Hickey once said she saw a beautiful Singapore years ago. She asked one thing which contributed to the beauty of Singapore. Pastor replied "Honour". We were taught to repect everyone since young. Greet everyone, saying "please" for each request and to repect the government. But now, dishonour is something that is becoming prevalent today. Social media is just a tool. Pastor is not saying you cannot disagree with the government's view. Disagree with honour.
Look at Romans 13:1. Israel were under the authority of Romans back then. In those days, people were crucified publicly for mistakes did. Whatever is it, our government is not Romans-alike. Because David honoured the anointing, he became anointed himself. The anointing is on the office, so honour that office. We should learnt to respect that honour as we dignify ourselves too.
But Pastor, "I honour my husband but he does silly things!". When you are humble, God raises you up. When God talks to your husband, it will surely get through.
Esther submitted to Haggai who was a very gentle man. Then, she found favour in the king. You think you lose out when you submit. But truth is when you submit, you find favour in your husband.
Romans 16:25-26
Verse 26: God has not manifested the gospel for obedience to the faith. This is the new obedience.
In closing,
Galatians 2:11-16
James is a believer. When James brought the people down, Paul saw the hypocrisy- pretending to be what you are. Stop pretending to be a sinner.
Verse 14: We walk uprightly by believing the truth. Believe what God says, the gospel.
Pastor shares about One-North. The Star won 4 consecutive awards and the designer is an Israeli.
The cities of refuge in Israel is scattered in 4 areas, North, South, East and West. It is for those who commit crimes to run there so that the law cannot catch them. The refuge is headed by priests. It is 6 cities and mentioned in sequence. Each refuge is a picture of a local church. The sequence is Kedesh, Shedem, Hebron, Bezer Ramoth and Golan. Back then, Pastor joined the cities with lines in appearance on the map only to be astounded with what he saw. Exactly the side view of the Star! This is the upper room where God gives. When the holy spirit fell, it is in the upper room. God is showing that us that the Star is a symbolism of the cities of refuge. It is amazing that God leaves His fingerprints in the Star.
Pastor prepares for Miracle Seed Sunday and worship is lined up next.
Sunday, August 5, 2012
5 August 2012
Topic: Having died to sin once and for all
Pastor Gabriel shared a testimony of a single parent who faced problems of rebellion. The problem worsen till her daughter moved out. She tried many methods but it did not work. She surrendered her kid to God and took communion with her kid till things improved and her daughter said she will move back.
Another testimony of another whose cancer marker constantly increased in the last 2 years. She was healed and her marker reduced to a safe level.
Pastor said, 2000 years old, Jesus died on the cross so that we will never have to suffer from sickness. He was naked on the cross so that you will be clothed with His grace and love. He gave you heaven's best.
Pastor shared the joy of moving in to the Star at the end of this year. Pastor pointed out that there was no miracle seed Sunday for 2 years now. Many of members kept asking when would be the next miracle seed Sunday. There will be a series of miracle seed Sundays in the next 3 weeks.
When the fishermen needed fishes, He did not bless them with a bungalow. He blessed them with fishes. He is a practical father. Since there is a miracle seed Sunday coming up, ask Him for directions on how much to give. Don't give if you are unsure. His part is the harvest and the fruits. Our part is just the seed. Sow the seed and He will not give you back a seed or a bigger seed growing. The seeds in the storehouse will never increase. Sow and expect His blessings. Waters that flow or rains is called living waters. No matter how little you have, just let it flow. The more you let it flow, the more it comes out. In the context of breast feeding, it stops and dries up when you stop feeding. God's creation is such that the more you flow, the more you have.
What does it mean to be dead to sin?
Romans 5:20-21
Verse 20: Put this verse in your heart: The law entered so that the offense might abound.
Many believe that the law entered so that holiness abound. Word for word in the bible.
Where sin abounded (pleonazo), grace abounded (huperperisseuo) - super abounded and some more on top of that and much more.
This is the inappropriateness of grace and law.
Romans 6:1-3
Verse 1: So does it mean we continue to sin so that grace may abound? They are misquoting what Paul says. Paul must be preaching too strongly on grace for him to be misunderstood. You must be preaching like Paul radically. Many pastors are preaching a balanced message until they become unbalanced.
Verse 3: "baptized" does not refer to water baptism. It means we are immersed into His death. So what does it mean to die to sin. Verse 2: "died to sin" has occurred for the believer. If we have died to sin means to die to the influence of sin, then that is not sin.
Romans 6:9-10
Verse 10: Jesus died to sin once for all.
Verse 11: What does likewise mean? It means in the same manner. You also reckon yourself to be dead in sin, but alive to God in Christ.
We must apply the understanding in verse 10 to verse 11 too. Jesus died once and for all. He did not have to return every year to die. So how did He die once and for all?
"reckon" means take into account, calculate, count over, meditate on. In greek, it's logizomai. Reckon got to do with reality.
Did the Lord Jesus die to
a. the power and influence of sin?
b. the imputation, guilt and penalty of sin?
Jesus is all perfect and there were many testimonies in the bible saying there is no sin in Him. During His time on earth, Jesus was tempted in all ways. This word "tempted" is a different greek word. It means to be tested. Jesus was tested to show that there was no sin in Him.
So did Jesus die for the imputation, guilt and penalty of sin? Jesus died because of the imputation of sin. Jesus does once and for all so that you are dead to sin.
John 8:10-12
Story of the woman who was accused and about to be stoned. Jesus said those who have not sin can stone her. Then He asked the woman who are those that accused her. None was around she said. He wanted her to say that no one was there to accuse her. Then He said neither do I condemn you. Then He said go and sin no more. It did not give her the empowerment to go and sin somemore. That many of the preachers today who accused otherwise. Grace is unmerited favour and when there is no condemnation, it produces empowerment.
Reproach - resting upon conditions of shame and disgrace.
Pastor shared that if you are free from stress, you will not be sad, or say unhappy things to your spouse. Studies have shown that stress can lead to broken marriages. A plant illustration is shown. Leaves is sickness, broken marriage and poverty. The roots are fear, stress and condemnation. Biblical scriptures show that condemnation is the root of all causes. Just like Adam feared when he ate from the tree. The "root" came in.
Back to Romans 6:9-11 and to the following verses to 18.
Verse 12: Therefore means to look at the previous verse. Do not let sin reign in your body. This is what the verse says.
Verse 13: Present yourself as weapons of righteousness. Reckon yourself as you have already died to sin.
In summary, Jesus died to the guilt of sin and condemned for our sins. Died means final. You take into account His death. Even if you sin, you will not take the guilt. So that your body becomes weapons of righteousness.
Pastor shared about one lady from the group of australian visitors last week who was shining so brightly on her face. It was only known that she attempted suicide before thinking that she needs to fulfil the law everyday. It was only through repeated listenings of the sermon "Condemnation kills" that rescued her from the sense of condemnation.
Pastor in his younger days tried to die to sin. Jesus died to sin, no future tense.
1 Peter 2:24
Jesus bore our sins in His body. You will never find anywhere in the bible He dies for our sins in His spirit. He only gave up His spirit on the cross.
"Being dead to sin" means already dead.
"Live up to righteousness" does not mean do right, think right. It means to be aware that Jesus died once and for all.
":by whose stripes ye were healed" - Notice the ":" there. It means whatever is in front follows.
A christian can never be in darkness. Do some reasoning. If we sin, the blood has already cleanse us. We are always in the light. How can we be dirty? We are just like under the shower all day long. Joke: At most you get "wrinkles".
This is powerful. You need to know you are already dead to sin and walk in righteousness. Then by His stripes you are healed.
When the bed ridden man came to Him, He did not say "be healed in Jesus name". He say to him "your sins have already been forgiven". He assured him because he needed to know it. Right after that, he picked up his bed and jumped!
The light that Jesus brought is not so bright till it brought blindness.
John 8:10-12
Verse 12: Jesus said He is the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life. "Shall not" is double negative, strong negative. Believers will never walk in darkness.
When Jesus appeared, He said do not be afraid. Human flesh tends to be fearful.
In closing,
Today there is a strong teaching on strong discipleship. Discipleship means to see Him as an example. When you come to Him as a disciple, it means to give up everything and follow the leader. It does not work this way. We are blessed in every way when we put Him first. We don't have to see Him as an example.
Heaven is populated. In revelations, it says there is a great multitude which cannot be numbered heading for heaven. It is never used for those going to hell.
Back to discipleship, the word "disciple" is used 200 times in the bible. It gets lesser used from the book of Matthew to John. Now we are not disciples, we are sons and daughters of God. There's glory when a king comes down for us. There is no glory from servant to servant. He came down for us.
Pastor Gabriel shared a testimony of a single parent who faced problems of rebellion. The problem worsen till her daughter moved out. She tried many methods but it did not work. She surrendered her kid to God and took communion with her kid till things improved and her daughter said she will move back.
Another testimony of another whose cancer marker constantly increased in the last 2 years. She was healed and her marker reduced to a safe level.
Pastor said, 2000 years old, Jesus died on the cross so that we will never have to suffer from sickness. He was naked on the cross so that you will be clothed with His grace and love. He gave you heaven's best.
Pastor shared the joy of moving in to the Star at the end of this year. Pastor pointed out that there was no miracle seed Sunday for 2 years now. Many of members kept asking when would be the next miracle seed Sunday. There will be a series of miracle seed Sundays in the next 3 weeks.
When the fishermen needed fishes, He did not bless them with a bungalow. He blessed them with fishes. He is a practical father. Since there is a miracle seed Sunday coming up, ask Him for directions on how much to give. Don't give if you are unsure. His part is the harvest and the fruits. Our part is just the seed. Sow the seed and He will not give you back a seed or a bigger seed growing. The seeds in the storehouse will never increase. Sow and expect His blessings. Waters that flow or rains is called living waters. No matter how little you have, just let it flow. The more you let it flow, the more it comes out. In the context of breast feeding, it stops and dries up when you stop feeding. God's creation is such that the more you flow, the more you have.
What does it mean to be dead to sin?
Romans 5:20-21
Verse 20: Put this verse in your heart: The law entered so that the offense might abound.
Many believe that the law entered so that holiness abound. Word for word in the bible.
Where sin abounded (pleonazo), grace abounded (huperperisseuo) - super abounded and some more on top of that and much more.
This is the inappropriateness of grace and law.
Romans 6:1-3
Verse 1: So does it mean we continue to sin so that grace may abound? They are misquoting what Paul says. Paul must be preaching too strongly on grace for him to be misunderstood. You must be preaching like Paul radically. Many pastors are preaching a balanced message until they become unbalanced.
Verse 3: "baptized" does not refer to water baptism. It means we are immersed into His death. So what does it mean to die to sin. Verse 2: "died to sin" has occurred for the believer. If we have died to sin means to die to the influence of sin, then that is not sin.
Romans 6:9-10
Verse 10: Jesus died to sin once for all.
Verse 11: What does likewise mean? It means in the same manner. You also reckon yourself to be dead in sin, but alive to God in Christ.
We must apply the understanding in verse 10 to verse 11 too. Jesus died once and for all. He did not have to return every year to die. So how did He die once and for all?
"reckon" means take into account, calculate, count over, meditate on. In greek, it's logizomai. Reckon got to do with reality.
Did the Lord Jesus die to
a. the power and influence of sin?
b. the imputation, guilt and penalty of sin?
Jesus is all perfect and there were many testimonies in the bible saying there is no sin in Him. During His time on earth, Jesus was tempted in all ways. This word "tempted" is a different greek word. It means to be tested. Jesus was tested to show that there was no sin in Him.
So did Jesus die for the imputation, guilt and penalty of sin? Jesus died because of the imputation of sin. Jesus does once and for all so that you are dead to sin.
John 8:10-12
Story of the woman who was accused and about to be stoned. Jesus said those who have not sin can stone her. Then He asked the woman who are those that accused her. None was around she said. He wanted her to say that no one was there to accuse her. Then He said neither do I condemn you. Then He said go and sin no more. It did not give her the empowerment to go and sin somemore. That many of the preachers today who accused otherwise. Grace is unmerited favour and when there is no condemnation, it produces empowerment.
Reproach - resting upon conditions of shame and disgrace.
Pastor shared that if you are free from stress, you will not be sad, or say unhappy things to your spouse. Studies have shown that stress can lead to broken marriages. A plant illustration is shown. Leaves is sickness, broken marriage and poverty. The roots are fear, stress and condemnation. Biblical scriptures show that condemnation is the root of all causes. Just like Adam feared when he ate from the tree. The "root" came in.
Back to Romans 6:9-11 and to the following verses to 18.
Verse 12: Therefore means to look at the previous verse. Do not let sin reign in your body. This is what the verse says.
Verse 13: Present yourself as weapons of righteousness. Reckon yourself as you have already died to sin.
In summary, Jesus died to the guilt of sin and condemned for our sins. Died means final. You take into account His death. Even if you sin, you will not take the guilt. So that your body becomes weapons of righteousness.
Pastor shared about one lady from the group of australian visitors last week who was shining so brightly on her face. It was only known that she attempted suicide before thinking that she needs to fulfil the law everyday. It was only through repeated listenings of the sermon "Condemnation kills" that rescued her from the sense of condemnation.
Pastor in his younger days tried to die to sin. Jesus died to sin, no future tense.
1 Peter 2:24
Jesus bore our sins in His body. You will never find anywhere in the bible He dies for our sins in His spirit. He only gave up His spirit on the cross.
"Being dead to sin" means already dead.
"Live up to righteousness" does not mean do right, think right. It means to be aware that Jesus died once and for all.
":by whose stripes ye were healed" - Notice the ":" there. It means whatever is in front follows.
A christian can never be in darkness. Do some reasoning. If we sin, the blood has already cleanse us. We are always in the light. How can we be dirty? We are just like under the shower all day long. Joke: At most you get "wrinkles".
This is powerful. You need to know you are already dead to sin and walk in righteousness. Then by His stripes you are healed.
When the bed ridden man came to Him, He did not say "be healed in Jesus name". He say to him "your sins have already been forgiven". He assured him because he needed to know it. Right after that, he picked up his bed and jumped!
The light that Jesus brought is not so bright till it brought blindness.
John 8:10-12
Verse 12: Jesus said He is the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life. "Shall not" is double negative, strong negative. Believers will never walk in darkness.
When Jesus appeared, He said do not be afraid. Human flesh tends to be fearful.
In closing,
Today there is a strong teaching on strong discipleship. Discipleship means to see Him as an example. When you come to Him as a disciple, it means to give up everything and follow the leader. It does not work this way. We are blessed in every way when we put Him first. We don't have to see Him as an example.
Heaven is populated. In revelations, it says there is a great multitude which cannot be numbered heading for heaven. It is never used for those going to hell.
Back to discipleship, the word "disciple" is used 200 times in the bible. It gets lesser used from the book of Matthew to John. Now we are not disciples, we are sons and daughters of God. There's glory when a king comes down for us. There is no glory from servant to servant. He came down for us.
Sunday, July 29, 2012
29 July 2012
Topic: Jesus' Invitation to You
Pastor Gabriel shared a testimony on a member who found a job after being jobless for 2 years.
Another testimony about a fellow member who got healed of knee pain. Listened and mediated to the church sermon "Imperfect faith".
Pastor shared about the impossible-to-man kind of miracle for Abraham. He bore a child at the age of 100.
Isn't it great you can just come to Him by just believing? Imperfect faith yet receive your blessing. Just come to Him. Don't listen to erroneous teachings saying only come to Him if you have faith. You can't buy a car first and then test drive it isn't it. Come with whatever faith you have and He will top-up.
Pastor welcomes pastors and leaders from Australia and New Zealand.
Jeremiah 23:1-8
Verse 2: Notice "feed my people". Not to beat. This is about the prophesies during our time.
Verse 4: Jesus will raise shepherds around the world. They will:
1) feed the
2) fear no more
3) nor be dismayed
4) nor be lacking
This is what is happening around the around. The 4 things you will be when under good pastors and leaders. So let's find out what are they feeding to the people in the following verses.
Verse 6: The message of "The Lord Our Righteousness" gives us all these things. Now all around the world, people are hearing the gospel of revolution. Now let's see when will this happen in the next few verses.
Verse 8: "North country" is the where Russia is. The Russian Jews will return back to Israel. This is the time where we preach grace. People will be fed and will fear no more. At the same time, many will also come up to self-define the true meaning of grace. Grace is unearned, unmerited favour. It's not law. In Romans 11:6, this is where grace is defined. It means grace is only grace, works is only works. They are never the same. Jesus gives the woman the no-condemnation confirmation first then that grace produced empowerment. The woman then went to sin no more.
Corinthians was known for immorality. Paul used "grace" the most times. Galatians is a mixture of law and grace. But grace is repeated so many times by Paul. Paul said when we were children, we were under law. But now that perfection has come, let's leave law and go to grace. When we were infants, we were under the schoolmaster. But when Jesus came, the spirit of son-ship and grace came. It doesn't mean when you are in a grace church, you understand grace. If you have listen to 9 sermons of grace and 1 time of law, you forget grace. This is something about the flesh. Don't let anyone rob you of the grace.
Whatever assignments God gives you, you are always under supply. Don't look at things under demand oriented. Jesus is the source of unmerited favour. He is the giver and never the recipient.
1 Kings 4:20
Verse 29: Judah and Israel is as numerous as the sand. But Jesus gave Solomon largeness of heart like the sand of the seashore. Where the demand is, so is God's grace! Never look at something like a demand. See the supply everywhere!
John 4:9-10
Verse 9: Jesus gave the only demand from the Samaritan. - Give me a drink.
Verse 10: If you would have known, you would have asked Him.
When you live under faith, that is supply.
Luke 14:1-6
Verse 1: Jesus just stepped into the house. He was eaten to eat bread of the sabbath. Everyone watched Him closely. Do you think He feels welcomed?
Verse 2: Dropsy is a disease back then.
Verse 4: But Jesus healed him and let him go.
Verse 5: Jesus asked them and turned around the situation back to the Pharisees.
Verse 6: They could not answer Him.
Romans 11:36 (A verse for believers who think that it is of their own works that they deserve blessings)
For Him and through Him, and to Him are all things. We are just nothing if not for Him! Sometimes we act like we are everything and accomplishing big things. But actually is Jesus who is doing it through you. Many of times we judge people based on self. Yet Jesus is humble. Back to the story above..
Everyone Jesus healed, He never claimed credit for it. He gave without expecting anything to be returned. His healing is not to be purchased.
Pastor advises ladies to know where to reject. Never take anything the guys gives. Man makes it an obligation and expects something in return.
Verse 16: Jesus is actually referring to His father. Jesus said God has a banquet spread to many.
Verse 17: Then a servant says "Come for all things are ready". He did not say come to serve, come to be an usher or come full time. He just said come just to eat. All the gifts are now ready free for your taking. That's peace for your mind, eternal life, peace for body, protection are all ready and paid for. There's no need to buy, it's all paid. What does it take to come? Man doesn't want to be committed to grace, man loves to be doers.
Verse 18,19 & 20: Many start to make excuses now. If you read all their excuses, they are all senseless. It's just a free meal and all ready. In context, the invitation was given to God's providence but yet many made excuses.
Verse 21: God says to bring in all the less fortunate to come for the supply. The first call is to the Israel ("streets and the lanes" but yet they reject. They could live eternally if only they did not reject.)
Verse 23: "compel them to come in". Compel means to gently force. What is it about man that Jesus has to compel you ("highways and hedges" referring to our time. If you can see its even referring to Russia and China) to bring you in to the table.
You may reject God's invitation by giving excuses. It is ok, we still eat. Just that "we are eating your blessings yo." according to Pastor's version.
See how warp we all are. We need Jesus to bring us in.
Verse 25: After the meal, the great multitude went with Him. All the people who followed not because they see Him as a healer. They are just following His pattern and as an example. Jesus wants to be known more than that. If you see Him just a pattern, the next verse is what He will say to you.
Verse 26: In essence, if you see me an example, then give up everything. You can see He is not pleased.
Drop down to Verse 34 to Chapter 15:1-7 due to time: Great multitude came and then the tax collectors, prostitutes and sinners were left behind. They came with nothing to receive everything.
Luke 15:1-7
Verse 1: Then all of the sinners drew to Him.
Verse 2: now the Pharisees complained and accused Him of eating with sinners. Doesn't this look like the accusers in present day slamming grace?
Verse 3: Jesus then answers.
Verse 4: He does not even say He will die on the cross for all sinners which He could do so. He did not compromise grace. In fact, He shared a parable of a shepherd who found the lost sheep in the following verses.
Verse 7: Jesus wraps it up to say eating with them gives His father and the whole of heaven more joy - happy, His father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. See how much we are loved by Him. What pleased Him the most is when we all come to give just to take. It is the joy of the father when the prodigal son returned, when the lost coin was found and when the lost sheep was found. When Jesus found you, He places you on His shoulders. He uses one of His shoulders to govern the whole universe but yet uses two shoulders when He carries you. See His priority.
But Pastor, we must talk about repentance! So how did the lost sheep repent? We need to listen to the word every time because repentance is "change of mind". So how did the sheep repent? The lost sheep consented to be carried. He did not go against, he allowed himself to be found and loved. That is repentance and it brings a lot of joy to the father. The woman with the list coin is a representation of the holy spirit. The father and the prodigal son is a representation of us and the father.
People say saviour is good, first step but we need to see Him as lord. Those who saw Him as an example didn't even pleased Him. But those who saw Him as saviour gladdened Him. We all need a saviour daily. We need Him to save us in all situations. Maybe cancer came looking for you. But you know why it didn't find you? Jesus kept you from it. A child will never understand how much he is loved. But Jesus says it is alright, just let me love you.
Why does the devil needs to blind you from the gospel? If he needs to blind you from the banquet spread? Obviously he doesn't want you to see and the gospel is indeed glorious. Pastor jokes, your wife covers your eyes when a pretty lady walks past. Why? Because the woman is truly pretty. But when a great grandmother walks by, your wife lets loose!
In closing,
Pastor remind everyone just to come and take freely. He led the church to say:
"For me and my church, all things that are ready is mine!"
Pastor Gabriel shared a testimony on a member who found a job after being jobless for 2 years.
Another testimony about a fellow member who got healed of knee pain. Listened and mediated to the church sermon "Imperfect faith".
Pastor shared about the impossible-to-man kind of miracle for Abraham. He bore a child at the age of 100.
Isn't it great you can just come to Him by just believing? Imperfect faith yet receive your blessing. Just come to Him. Don't listen to erroneous teachings saying only come to Him if you have faith. You can't buy a car first and then test drive it isn't it. Come with whatever faith you have and He will top-up.
Pastor welcomes pastors and leaders from Australia and New Zealand.
Jeremiah 23:1-8
Verse 2: Notice "feed my people". Not to beat. This is about the prophesies during our time.
Verse 4: Jesus will raise shepherds around the world. They will:
1) feed the
2) fear no more
3) nor be dismayed
4) nor be lacking
This is what is happening around the around. The 4 things you will be when under good pastors and leaders. So let's find out what are they feeding to the people in the following verses.
Verse 6: The message of "The Lord Our Righteousness" gives us all these things. Now all around the world, people are hearing the gospel of revolution. Now let's see when will this happen in the next few verses.
Verse 8: "North country" is the where Russia is. The Russian Jews will return back to Israel. This is the time where we preach grace. People will be fed and will fear no more. At the same time, many will also come up to self-define the true meaning of grace. Grace is unearned, unmerited favour. It's not law. In Romans 11:6, this is where grace is defined. It means grace is only grace, works is only works. They are never the same. Jesus gives the woman the no-condemnation confirmation first then that grace produced empowerment. The woman then went to sin no more.
Corinthians was known for immorality. Paul used "grace" the most times. Galatians is a mixture of law and grace. But grace is repeated so many times by Paul. Paul said when we were children, we were under law. But now that perfection has come, let's leave law and go to grace. When we were infants, we were under the schoolmaster. But when Jesus came, the spirit of son-ship and grace came. It doesn't mean when you are in a grace church, you understand grace. If you have listen to 9 sermons of grace and 1 time of law, you forget grace. This is something about the flesh. Don't let anyone rob you of the grace.
Whatever assignments God gives you, you are always under supply. Don't look at things under demand oriented. Jesus is the source of unmerited favour. He is the giver and never the recipient.
1 Kings 4:20
Verse 29: Judah and Israel is as numerous as the sand. But Jesus gave Solomon largeness of heart like the sand of the seashore. Where the demand is, so is God's grace! Never look at something like a demand. See the supply everywhere!
John 4:9-10
Verse 9: Jesus gave the only demand from the Samaritan. - Give me a drink.
Verse 10: If you would have known, you would have asked Him.
When you live under faith, that is supply.
Luke 14:1-6
Verse 1: Jesus just stepped into the house. He was eaten to eat bread of the sabbath. Everyone watched Him closely. Do you think He feels welcomed?
Verse 2: Dropsy is a disease back then.
Verse 4: But Jesus healed him and let him go.
Verse 5: Jesus asked them and turned around the situation back to the Pharisees.
Verse 6: They could not answer Him.
Romans 11:36 (A verse for believers who think that it is of their own works that they deserve blessings)
For Him and through Him, and to Him are all things. We are just nothing if not for Him! Sometimes we act like we are everything and accomplishing big things. But actually is Jesus who is doing it through you. Many of times we judge people based on self. Yet Jesus is humble. Back to the story above..
Everyone Jesus healed, He never claimed credit for it. He gave without expecting anything to be returned. His healing is not to be purchased.
Pastor advises ladies to know where to reject. Never take anything the guys gives. Man makes it an obligation and expects something in return.
Verse 16: Jesus is actually referring to His father. Jesus said God has a banquet spread to many.
Verse 17: Then a servant says "Come for all things are ready". He did not say come to serve, come to be an usher or come full time. He just said come just to eat. All the gifts are now ready free for your taking. That's peace for your mind, eternal life, peace for body, protection are all ready and paid for. There's no need to buy, it's all paid. What does it take to come? Man doesn't want to be committed to grace, man loves to be doers.
Verse 18,19 & 20: Many start to make excuses now. If you read all their excuses, they are all senseless. It's just a free meal and all ready. In context, the invitation was given to God's providence but yet many made excuses.
Verse 21: God says to bring in all the less fortunate to come for the supply. The first call is to the Israel ("streets and the lanes" but yet they reject. They could live eternally if only they did not reject.)
Verse 23: "compel them to come in". Compel means to gently force. What is it about man that Jesus has to compel you ("highways and hedges" referring to our time. If you can see its even referring to Russia and China) to bring you in to the table.
You may reject God's invitation by giving excuses. It is ok, we still eat. Just that "we are eating your blessings yo." according to Pastor's version.
See how warp we all are. We need Jesus to bring us in.
Verse 25: After the meal, the great multitude went with Him. All the people who followed not because they see Him as a healer. They are just following His pattern and as an example. Jesus wants to be known more than that. If you see Him just a pattern, the next verse is what He will say to you.
Verse 26: In essence, if you see me an example, then give up everything. You can see He is not pleased.
Drop down to Verse 34 to Chapter 15:1-7 due to time: Great multitude came and then the tax collectors, prostitutes and sinners were left behind. They came with nothing to receive everything.
Luke 15:1-7
Verse 1: Then all of the sinners drew to Him.
Verse 2: now the Pharisees complained and accused Him of eating with sinners. Doesn't this look like the accusers in present day slamming grace?
Verse 3: Jesus then answers.
Verse 4: He does not even say He will die on the cross for all sinners which He could do so. He did not compromise grace. In fact, He shared a parable of a shepherd who found the lost sheep in the following verses.
Verse 7: Jesus wraps it up to say eating with them gives His father and the whole of heaven more joy - happy, His father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. See how much we are loved by Him. What pleased Him the most is when we all come to give just to take. It is the joy of the father when the prodigal son returned, when the lost coin was found and when the lost sheep was found. When Jesus found you, He places you on His shoulders. He uses one of His shoulders to govern the whole universe but yet uses two shoulders when He carries you. See His priority.
But Pastor, we must talk about repentance! So how did the lost sheep repent? We need to listen to the word every time because repentance is "change of mind". So how did the sheep repent? The lost sheep consented to be carried. He did not go against, he allowed himself to be found and loved. That is repentance and it brings a lot of joy to the father. The woman with the list coin is a representation of the holy spirit. The father and the prodigal son is a representation of us and the father.
People say saviour is good, first step but we need to see Him as lord. Those who saw Him as an example didn't even pleased Him. But those who saw Him as saviour gladdened Him. We all need a saviour daily. We need Him to save us in all situations. Maybe cancer came looking for you. But you know why it didn't find you? Jesus kept you from it. A child will never understand how much he is loved. But Jesus says it is alright, just let me love you.
Why does the devil needs to blind you from the gospel? If he needs to blind you from the banquet spread? Obviously he doesn't want you to see and the gospel is indeed glorious. Pastor jokes, your wife covers your eyes when a pretty lady walks past. Why? Because the woman is truly pretty. But when a great grandmother walks by, your wife lets loose!
In closing,
Pastor remind everyone just to come and take freely. He led the church to say:
"For me and my church, all things that are ready is mine!"
Monday, June 18, 2012
17 June 2012 - Pastor Brian Houston
Topic: Be of a different spirit
God's obsession is you. God is obsessed with His people, in loving you.
2 Corinthians 9:1-9
Verse 2: Zeal has stirred up the majority. Not giving people the minimum mindset of the majority.
Verse 7: Giving with a purpose in your heart. God loves a cheerful giver. Serving God is not a grudging obligation. Don't live by the minimum.
2 Corinthians 11:23
Apostle Paul talks about the daily things. But of all these things, there comes a deep concern for all the churches.
What is your glorious obsession?
1 Corinthians 16:15
"The first fruits of Achaia" were the early people who "addicted themselves". The bible refers to the deep obsession. People may be obsessed to help others, to make a difference or to build a ministry. Theses are the purposes of one's life.
Just like New Creation Church has an obsession of preaching radical grace. NCC is not built on a certain sermon but it's built on a sense of purpose.
When you have that sense of obsession, you are able to rise above your necessity.
John 18:37
Verse 37: Jesus knew He was born for a purpose.
John 12:27
Jesus said He come for this purpose. He was prepared to die for a God given purpose.
Psalms 100:2
Rise up in your faith and ask God for a glorious purpose in life. Pastor shares about the music ministry who wakes up early on Sundays to the auditorium while most would be either sleeping or enjoying coffee. These people have devoted their time for a glorious purpose. It is not an obligation. Unlike paying tax which is a requirement and obligation.
Proverbs 20:6
A faithful person versus a normal person.
Psalms 25:12-14
The verses say who is that man?
Let's live with a different spirit from the others. Not have the spirit of the majority. It's amazing what can happen.
Matthew 27
Jesus was crucified on the cross while the Romans wanted to lift the cross higher. In context they wanted to crucify Him more. They wanted to see Him come down so that they would believe He is the Messiah. But Jesus stood on the cross for a glorious purpose.
People want you to come down from the glorious purpose in your heart.
Pastor leads the congregation in a prayer to have a sense of purpose in life. He prayed for the purpose to be stirred up. In marriages and relationship for the purpose of God a sense of purpose.
Pastor prays for all fathers for wisdom, things to turn around and to leave a legacy in their household.
God's obsession is you. God is obsessed with His people, in loving you.
2 Corinthians 9:1-9
Verse 2: Zeal has stirred up the majority. Not giving people the minimum mindset of the majority.
Verse 7: Giving with a purpose in your heart. God loves a cheerful giver. Serving God is not a grudging obligation. Don't live by the minimum.
2 Corinthians 11:23
Apostle Paul talks about the daily things. But of all these things, there comes a deep concern for all the churches.
What is your glorious obsession?
1 Corinthians 16:15
"The first fruits of Achaia" were the early people who "addicted themselves". The bible refers to the deep obsession. People may be obsessed to help others, to make a difference or to build a ministry. Theses are the purposes of one's life.
Just like New Creation Church has an obsession of preaching radical grace. NCC is not built on a certain sermon but it's built on a sense of purpose.
When you have that sense of obsession, you are able to rise above your necessity.
John 18:37
Verse 37: Jesus knew He was born for a purpose.
John 12:27
Jesus said He come for this purpose. He was prepared to die for a God given purpose.
Psalms 100:2
Rise up in your faith and ask God for a glorious purpose in life. Pastor shares about the music ministry who wakes up early on Sundays to the auditorium while most would be either sleeping or enjoying coffee. These people have devoted their time for a glorious purpose. It is not an obligation. Unlike paying tax which is a requirement and obligation.
Proverbs 20:6
A faithful person versus a normal person.
Psalms 25:12-14
The verses say who is that man?
Let's live with a different spirit from the others. Not have the spirit of the majority. It's amazing what can happen.
Matthew 27
Jesus was crucified on the cross while the Romans wanted to lift the cross higher. In context they wanted to crucify Him more. They wanted to see Him come down so that they would believe He is the Messiah. But Jesus stood on the cross for a glorious purpose.
People want you to come down from the glorious purpose in your heart.
Pastor leads the congregation in a prayer to have a sense of purpose in life. He prayed for the purpose to be stirred up. In marriages and relationship for the purpose of God a sense of purpose.
Pastor prays for all fathers for wisdom, things to turn around and to leave a legacy in their household.
Sunday, June 10, 2012
10 June 2012
Topic: Blessings on the 12 sons of Jacob
Testimony of a little girl in Dare Ministry who was healed of a very crooked spine. Pastor shared about Jesus' prayers are always short and sweet. In the bible, only the Pharisees prayed long prayers to impress men.
Due to time, we will only study the blessings of 2 sons.
Genesis 49:1-4
Verse 1: ".. in the last days". As far as God is concerned, today is just the second day. We are in the last day.
What will come in the last days will be shown in the blessings of the 12 sons of Jacob.
What you are holding in your hands is God-breathed. Life is so short, use the time for things that are more important. Many people think that by having a million and another million, would have the quality of life. You can have a million but the quality is not guaranteed. God bypassed that and came to give you life - quality of life. He already made us billionaires.
In the bible, names are given according to their experience.
Reuben - "See, a son"
Back then when you are the first born, you have the double blessings from the father. But in the story of Reuben, it is the direct opposite.
Genesis 35:18-22
As Rachael was about to die, she named her son Ben-Oni which means house of sorrow. But Jacob named him Benjamin which meant Son of the right hand. This is only son the father says he will name him. We are in this generation. Today's Prime Minister of Israel is called Benjamin too. God is again sending this message to tell us.
Verse 22: Reuben slept with Bilhah, father's concubine. This terrible incest is a sexual scene. This is the only sin that Jesus says "Flee". Jesus said one who sin against his own body is the worst sin. Sex is designed by God for maximum enjoyment. Not meant to worry during the process. Sex with someone not of marriage-covenant will always have remains of the other party which is not good.
Let not your mind be logical. Just like how you use your logic to think how to pay off your debt. Leave this "worry" to God. Let Him work while you just trust in His faith.
Peter stood up in Acts 1 to say he bought a field. Look at Acts 1:19-20. Verse 20 says "Let another take his office". It doesn't mean that you have an office means that you will have it forever. Thank God for that position you are holding now. Feel privilege to be in that role. In NIV, it is "May another take his place of leadership". Pastor said for he and his house, he will fulfill this life.
Bilhah means to fear, to be troubled and to be terrified. So when Reuben slept with her, he went to bed with fear. If you go deeper to the definition of the word Bilhah, it also means to be hasty. Let's slow down in life and not rush through it.
Matthew 14:24-33
Story of Jesus walking on the seas in the midst of the storm. You may be hit or facing storms of financial breakdown of a storm of sickness rocking your life, Pastor is here to tell you that in the midst of the storm, look out for Jesus who is coming through to save you. He comes to you even in your darkest hour. When Jesus walked on water, Peter asked Jesus to command him to walk on water. When Peter looked to Jesus, he walked on water, above his circumstances. The moment he looked to the winds, he began to sink. See how practical this is to present day. As long as you look to Jesus, you will be transformed from glory to glory.
Let's move to the next son in closing, Joseph.
Genesis 49:22
Joseph is a fruitful bough by a well. His branches run over the wall.
John 4:3-30
Verse 4: Jesus need to go through from Samaria. There are two ways to go to Galilee. This route is the faster route. Samaritans are not the true Jews but they claimed they are.
Verse 5: Sychar is Shechem. Jesus came to the plot of ground that Jacob gave to Joseph.
Verse 6: Jesus sat at the well at the sixth hour. This place of the well is Shechem, the territory of Joseph. Jesus sat at the well and is a fruitful bough. Even if you are tired, you are still fruitful.
Water in the bible refers to "sexual coronation".
Verse 13: Jesus says this water will cause you to thirst.
Verse 14: Jesus tells the woman that she is looking for the wrong place for love.
Verse 17 and 18: Shows how Jesus speaks in gentleness to the woman who does not reveal her true self. Notice how Jesus revealed her in a polite manner.
After this woman met Jesus, she overcame her inferiority and went out to tell those men who she met.
Keep your eyes on Jesus and you will be transformed.
Verse 40: Jesus stayed for 2 days. In today context is 2000 years.
Verse 43: After spending 2 days, He went to Galilee. So now, Jesus will be concentrating on Israel.
God revealed in this chapter and verse.
John 4:10
You think you are so rich or full that God needs to demand from you? If you knew who He was, you would be asking Him for a drink. He is telling you He is not demanding anything from you. He is asking you to draw from Him.
Testimony of a little girl in Dare Ministry who was healed of a very crooked spine. Pastor shared about Jesus' prayers are always short and sweet. In the bible, only the Pharisees prayed long prayers to impress men.
Due to time, we will only study the blessings of 2 sons.
Genesis 49:1-4
Verse 1: ".. in the last days". As far as God is concerned, today is just the second day. We are in the last day.
What will come in the last days will be shown in the blessings of the 12 sons of Jacob.
What you are holding in your hands is God-breathed. Life is so short, use the time for things that are more important. Many people think that by having a million and another million, would have the quality of life. You can have a million but the quality is not guaranteed. God bypassed that and came to give you life - quality of life. He already made us billionaires.
In the bible, names are given according to their experience.
Reuben - "See, a son"
Back then when you are the first born, you have the double blessings from the father. But in the story of Reuben, it is the direct opposite.
Genesis 35:18-22
As Rachael was about to die, she named her son Ben-Oni which means house of sorrow. But Jacob named him Benjamin which meant Son of the right hand. This is only son the father says he will name him. We are in this generation. Today's Prime Minister of Israel is called Benjamin too. God is again sending this message to tell us.
Verse 22: Reuben slept with Bilhah, father's concubine. This terrible incest is a sexual scene. This is the only sin that Jesus says "Flee". Jesus said one who sin against his own body is the worst sin. Sex is designed by God for maximum enjoyment. Not meant to worry during the process. Sex with someone not of marriage-covenant will always have remains of the other party which is not good.
Let not your mind be logical. Just like how you use your logic to think how to pay off your debt. Leave this "worry" to God. Let Him work while you just trust in His faith.
Peter stood up in Acts 1 to say he bought a field. Look at Acts 1:19-20. Verse 20 says "Let another take his office". It doesn't mean that you have an office means that you will have it forever. Thank God for that position you are holding now. Feel privilege to be in that role. In NIV, it is "May another take his place of leadership". Pastor said for he and his house, he will fulfill this life.
Bilhah means to fear, to be troubled and to be terrified. So when Reuben slept with her, he went to bed with fear. If you go deeper to the definition of the word Bilhah, it also means to be hasty. Let's slow down in life and not rush through it.
Matthew 14:24-33
Story of Jesus walking on the seas in the midst of the storm. You may be hit or facing storms of financial breakdown of a storm of sickness rocking your life, Pastor is here to tell you that in the midst of the storm, look out for Jesus who is coming through to save you. He comes to you even in your darkest hour. When Jesus walked on water, Peter asked Jesus to command him to walk on water. When Peter looked to Jesus, he walked on water, above his circumstances. The moment he looked to the winds, he began to sink. See how practical this is to present day. As long as you look to Jesus, you will be transformed from glory to glory.
Let's move to the next son in closing, Joseph.
Genesis 49:22
Joseph is a fruitful bough by a well. His branches run over the wall.
John 4:3-30
Verse 4: Jesus need to go through from Samaria. There are two ways to go to Galilee. This route is the faster route. Samaritans are not the true Jews but they claimed they are.
Verse 5: Sychar is Shechem. Jesus came to the plot of ground that Jacob gave to Joseph.
Verse 6: Jesus sat at the well at the sixth hour. This place of the well is Shechem, the territory of Joseph. Jesus sat at the well and is a fruitful bough. Even if you are tired, you are still fruitful.
Water in the bible refers to "sexual coronation".
Verse 13: Jesus says this water will cause you to thirst.
Verse 14: Jesus tells the woman that she is looking for the wrong place for love.
Verse 17 and 18: Shows how Jesus speaks in gentleness to the woman who does not reveal her true self. Notice how Jesus revealed her in a polite manner.
After this woman met Jesus, she overcame her inferiority and went out to tell those men who she met.
Keep your eyes on Jesus and you will be transformed.
Verse 40: Jesus stayed for 2 days. In today context is 2000 years.
Verse 43: After spending 2 days, He went to Galilee. So now, Jesus will be concentrating on Israel.
God revealed in this chapter and verse.
John 4:10
You think you are so rich or full that God needs to demand from you? If you knew who He was, you would be asking Him for a drink. He is telling you He is not demanding anything from you. He is asking you to draw from Him.
20 May 2012
Topic: The Church is Your Refuge
You receive the holy spirit by the hearing of grace.
God performs miracles by the hearing of faith. All these are not by through the works of law.
God's healing system is by means of preaching. God is pleased by preaching, He will save, heal and deliver. In the word, God says it by the foolishness of preaching. God sozos you while you are listening to the word. Good things are happening in your career just by listening of His word.
Joshua 20:1-8
Verse 2: "Cities of refuge" in present day is Lord Jesus Christ.
These verses in the old testament are like the shadows of truth to us in present day. Let's look at how these shadows reveal God's truth to us.
Verse 3: This verse talks about justice. Just like a slayer who kills a person, that person has a right for revenge. God does not like revenge, He delights in grace. Grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.
Verse 4: These six cities belong to the priests and Levites. The priests refer to us. We are and made priests and princes in Christ. Numbers 35:6-7 shows that there are a total of 48 cities (42 + 6) and priests live in the best.
Verse 8: The 6 cities are Kedesh, Shechem, Hebron, Bezer, Ramoth and Golan. They are scattered and they are 3 on each side on the map.
Numbers 18:11-12
Verse 11: Wave offering is what the priest does by waving the offering to God. Heave offering is like throwing the offering up to heavens. Put the both act together and what do you see? The cross. God loves to be reminded of the sacrifice of Jesus.
Verse 12: We receive the best of the new oil, wine and grain.
Hebrews 10:26
Sin wilfully refers to turning their backs to Christ after they received the knowledge of the truth. This truth refers to the gospel. These are the people who know Him but yet turn to their old ways.
In the roman times, the Romans crucified Jesus. They know they were crucifying the Messiah. But yet Jesus said "Forgive them for they know not what they do". See how great our God when He classified the Romans under the "unintentional sin" group.
Hebrews 6:16-20
Verse 16: Man swear by God because He is greater. It is a crime to break the oath.
Verse 18: The word said God cannot lie. He raises His hands to say He will bless you. This blessing in the old testament last only until the priests die. So does that mean the blessings end? Look at verse 20.
Verse 20: Jesus is our high priest forever. That's why we are forever blessed.
Isaiah 9:6
Verse 6: When the Lord govern the whole universe, He governs on his shoulder.
Luke 15:4-7
Verse 5: When Jesus find the lost sheep, He lays it on His shoulders, rejoicing.
These 2 verses show that God's priority is salvation rather than governing the whole universe. He prioritises on saving you.
Local churches is God ordained. It is not man's idea. You can say we go to a universal church. That means to be in a country, when you meet a believer, there is a unity. But when you face a problem and need help, local churches is your refuge. It's a place where guilty people run to. In God's house, there is bread enough to spare.
Ephesians 1:22-23
Verse 22: The father puts all things under Jesus feet. All sickness, depression and death under His feet. He gives all these things to the church.
Verse 23: The church is His body, that's where God's goodness and miracles are found.
In NLT, verse 22 says "God has put all things under the authority of Christ and has made him head over all things for the benefit of the church".
Pastor advices the people not to give up on local churches. It all revolves around Christ. As long as the pastor preaches on God is a real man and heals, then He is a good pastor. It does not necessary need to be exactly the same belief with Pastor Prince. It does not mean this pastor does not preach grace then I'm staying at home. Honour your pastor, your local pastor may have ideas for mission which Pastor Prince doesn't have. Unless there are pastor who come against grace then it's a different story. You may then switch church. Tithe to your own local church. Joseph Prince Ministries (JPM) always puts it at the end of the show to tithe to your local church. JPM broadcasts daily 2 or 3 times a day, it is not there to compete with the local pastors. JPM is there to compliment the local pastors. So you should never tithe to the one who fed you. In Malachi, it does not ask you to tithe to the place where you are fed. It says to bring your tithe so that you are fed and there is food in the house. Don't misinterpret the verse. There is no perfect church or perfect pastors. Jesus will never just plant a refuge in a single place. God has planted refuges all around the world. Don't say because my Pastor does not preach on grace in this church so I'm not attending. Grace means justification by faith. Pastor then jokes about buying the local pastor the book "Destined to reign". Jesus watches and says in Revelation. He will remove the candlesticks if he does not repent and change his mind. This verse is Jesus talking to the local pastor. Jesus means to shut down the church and does not say about losing salvation. The congregation will not be lost, they will still join another church.
Ephesians 5:25-27
Verse 26: That's how you talk to your wife. Speak good words to your wife, just like she is spotless.
Verse 27: "Not having" is present active participle. Jesus sees you in the eternal. He does not lie. So you should also tell your wife the same just like how Jesus sees you. Why not you see your wife perfect? Not having spit or wrinkle or any such thing. Wash your wife with your words.
Psalm 46:1
This verse says God is our refuge and strength and a very present help in trouble. Some say God will only help when in heaven, in daily life, endure. If that is the case, what's there to help in heaven?
Back to Joshua 20:8, the cities are shown in order of the verses.
Kedesh - Sanctuary
Shechem - Shoulder
Hebron - Fellowship
Bezer - Fortress
Ramoth - Highly exalted
Golan - Rejoicing
Put the meanings in order. Names in the bible is not to fill up space. It has meaning.
In summary,
A sanctuary is His shoulder offered in fellowship, a fortress to highly exalt us with rejoicing.
In closing,
He is a very present help in need when you need it! Don't think that He comes to you and pat you on the back and says to you to endure or just comforts you. He is not like that. He does comfort you at times but He is always there to be a help to you because He loves you. He carries you on His shoulders and you may think you are happy, but know what, He is even happier than you.
You receive the holy spirit by the hearing of grace.
God performs miracles by the hearing of faith. All these are not by through the works of law.
God's healing system is by means of preaching. God is pleased by preaching, He will save, heal and deliver. In the word, God says it by the foolishness of preaching. God sozos you while you are listening to the word. Good things are happening in your career just by listening of His word.
Joshua 20:1-8
Verse 2: "Cities of refuge" in present day is Lord Jesus Christ.
These verses in the old testament are like the shadows of truth to us in present day. Let's look at how these shadows reveal God's truth to us.
Verse 3: This verse talks about justice. Just like a slayer who kills a person, that person has a right for revenge. God does not like revenge, He delights in grace. Grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.
Verse 4: These six cities belong to the priests and Levites. The priests refer to us. We are and made priests and princes in Christ. Numbers 35:6-7 shows that there are a total of 48 cities (42 + 6) and priests live in the best.
Verse 8: The 6 cities are Kedesh, Shechem, Hebron, Bezer, Ramoth and Golan. They are scattered and they are 3 on each side on the map.
Numbers 18:11-12
Verse 11: Wave offering is what the priest does by waving the offering to God. Heave offering is like throwing the offering up to heavens. Put the both act together and what do you see? The cross. God loves to be reminded of the sacrifice of Jesus.
Verse 12: We receive the best of the new oil, wine and grain.
Hebrews 10:26
Sin wilfully refers to turning their backs to Christ after they received the knowledge of the truth. This truth refers to the gospel. These are the people who know Him but yet turn to their old ways.
In the roman times, the Romans crucified Jesus. They know they were crucifying the Messiah. But yet Jesus said "Forgive them for they know not what they do". See how great our God when He classified the Romans under the "unintentional sin" group.
Hebrews 6:16-20
Verse 16: Man swear by God because He is greater. It is a crime to break the oath.
Verse 18: The word said God cannot lie. He raises His hands to say He will bless you. This blessing in the old testament last only until the priests die. So does that mean the blessings end? Look at verse 20.
Verse 20: Jesus is our high priest forever. That's why we are forever blessed.
Isaiah 9:6
Verse 6: When the Lord govern the whole universe, He governs on his shoulder.
Luke 15:4-7
Verse 5: When Jesus find the lost sheep, He lays it on His shoulders, rejoicing.
These 2 verses show that God's priority is salvation rather than governing the whole universe. He prioritises on saving you.
Local churches is God ordained. It is not man's idea. You can say we go to a universal church. That means to be in a country, when you meet a believer, there is a unity. But when you face a problem and need help, local churches is your refuge. It's a place where guilty people run to. In God's house, there is bread enough to spare.
Ephesians 1:22-23
Verse 22: The father puts all things under Jesus feet. All sickness, depression and death under His feet. He gives all these things to the church.
Verse 23: The church is His body, that's where God's goodness and miracles are found.
In NLT, verse 22 says "God has put all things under the authority of Christ and has made him head over all things for the benefit of the church".
Pastor advices the people not to give up on local churches. It all revolves around Christ. As long as the pastor preaches on God is a real man and heals, then He is a good pastor. It does not necessary need to be exactly the same belief with Pastor Prince. It does not mean this pastor does not preach grace then I'm staying at home. Honour your pastor, your local pastor may have ideas for mission which Pastor Prince doesn't have. Unless there are pastor who come against grace then it's a different story. You may then switch church. Tithe to your own local church. Joseph Prince Ministries (JPM) always puts it at the end of the show to tithe to your local church. JPM broadcasts daily 2 or 3 times a day, it is not there to compete with the local pastors. JPM is there to compliment the local pastors. So you should never tithe to the one who fed you. In Malachi, it does not ask you to tithe to the place where you are fed. It says to bring your tithe so that you are fed and there is food in the house. Don't misinterpret the verse. There is no perfect church or perfect pastors. Jesus will never just plant a refuge in a single place. God has planted refuges all around the world. Don't say because my Pastor does not preach on grace in this church so I'm not attending. Grace means justification by faith. Pastor then jokes about buying the local pastor the book "Destined to reign". Jesus watches and says in Revelation. He will remove the candlesticks if he does not repent and change his mind. This verse is Jesus talking to the local pastor. Jesus means to shut down the church and does not say about losing salvation. The congregation will not be lost, they will still join another church.
Ephesians 5:25-27
Verse 26: That's how you talk to your wife. Speak good words to your wife, just like she is spotless.
Verse 27: "Not having" is present active participle. Jesus sees you in the eternal. He does not lie. So you should also tell your wife the same just like how Jesus sees you. Why not you see your wife perfect? Not having spit or wrinkle or any such thing. Wash your wife with your words.
Psalm 46:1
This verse says God is our refuge and strength and a very present help in trouble. Some say God will only help when in heaven, in daily life, endure. If that is the case, what's there to help in heaven?
Back to Joshua 20:8, the cities are shown in order of the verses.
Kedesh - Sanctuary
Shechem - Shoulder
Hebron - Fellowship
Bezer - Fortress
Ramoth - Highly exalted
Golan - Rejoicing
Put the meanings in order. Names in the bible is not to fill up space. It has meaning.
In summary,
A sanctuary is His shoulder offered in fellowship, a fortress to highly exalt us with rejoicing.
In closing,
He is a very present help in need when you need it! Don't think that He comes to you and pat you on the back and says to you to endure or just comforts you. He is not like that. He does comfort you at times but He is always there to be a help to you because He loves you. He carries you on His shoulders and you may think you are happy, but know what, He is even happier than you.
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