27 January 2013

Adeline led the praise and worship today and we sang this song titled "How Excellent Your Name" which I thought was very nice. Uploading the song for all to enjoy and sing throughout this week!

 

Topic: More Truths From The Series of The Key of David

God never meant for diseases and sin to be in the world. Adam was the first federal head of human race. When man sinned against God, the floodgates of aging, death and poverty came in. This world then became a fallen world. God cannot just take back the world like that. Therefore, He sent His son legally for the redemption of our sins. Jesus became the new federal head of the human race. He brought forth a new race, a new creation. Now because of His new obedience, His standing, we are redeemed knowing we are in the world and not of the world.

John 3:16 says God did not send His son to condemn the world. But through Him that the world will be saved. God's posture to the world is for everyone to come to Him.

We are for the good news. Whoever believes the good news will be born again. The gospel goes all the way to the roots.

Deuteronomy 28:12-13
Recap on the verses:
12 The Lord shall open unto thee his good treasure, the heaven to give the rain unto thy land in his season, and to bless all the work of thine hand: and thou shalt lend unto many nations, and thou shalt not borrow.

13 And the Lord shall make thee the head, and not the tail; and thou shalt be above only, and thou shalt not be beneath; if that thou hearken unto the commandments of the Lord thy God, which I command thee this day, to observe and to do them:

Verse 12: Treasure is "otsar" in greek. This "otsar" is a place where you keep the most precious items. Pastor revealed that God told him to share with His people that He is going to use His key to open the treasury to His people this year.
The effect is that rain will fall. He's actually referring to Israel. He tells us to watch it when Israel receive its rain.
Just early this month, rain and snow have come to Israel finally. This is actually a breakthrough because this was something that has not happened for 10 years.
"But Pastor, why are we looking at Israel and what has it got to do with us?" Pastor points out that we are the spiritual Israel and whatever that happens to the natural Israel will come to us next. The next verse shows us the truth.

1 Corinthians 15:46
Verse 46: "The spiritual did not come first, but the natural, and after that the spiritual." 
The first Adam cannot give life but the last Adam can. That is why the natural comes first then followed by the spiritual.

Pastor related some history of Israel:
In 1948, Israel was re-born in one day.
In 1950, Pastors preached and everyone was healed. It was the voice of healing movement.
In 1967, during the six days war, victory came on the seventh day. The city of Jerusalem came back after 2000 years. In the same year, God moved in a strong way and everyone spoke in tongues.

Pastor flashed some news reports on the continuous rain and snow in Israel that happened early this month.

In essence, blessings come first for the natural Israel then followed by the spiritual Israel.
Referring to the earlier verse in Deuteronomy, clearly this year is the season for us where He will open His treasury to you and whatever you touch will prosper.
The best part of the verse says that you shall lend and will never borrow. Pastor believe that this year we are going to pay for all things by cash.
Going to the next verse, Deuteronomy 28:13, God promises He will make you the head and not the tail. The next part of keeping the commandments does not matter because Jesus kept the commandments for all of us.

Matthew 6:19-21
Verse 19: If your trust is in the world, people can steal your money "professionally". Thieves do not need to be at your house physically to steal.
There is a misconception about this verses. People say these things will only happen to you when you go to heaven. Pastor says why would need all these treasuries when you are in heaven?
Pastor is not saying that you take out all your money from the banks. What the verses are saying are to put your trust in the Lord. Pastor says put your money to the correct place and your heart will follow.

The word "treasures" in greek is "thesoros". Pastor wants you to know that whatever you have placed in this treasury before, He will return 100% to you this year.

Pastor shared a joke:
There were 3 guys having a drink and a conversation about coincidence arose.
The first guy said, "When my wife was pregnant she read the novel 'the 2 cities' and gave birth to twins."
The second guy heard it and agreed by saying, "His wife read 'the 3 musketeers' and gave birth to triplets!"
The third guy upon hearing it, started running home. The two guys were puzzled and asked why, he said, "My wife is pregnant and I left her reading 'Alibaba & the 40 thieves'!"

Isaiah 55:9-11
Verse 9: People claims that God's thoughts are too high for us to fathom.
Verse 10: But read on, the following verse says that his thoughts rain down from heavens. Notice that rain drops down as droplets and snow comes down as flakes. Imagine if rain is poured down like that, there will be many who will suffer from brain damage. God causes His words to come down as rain so that we can dissolve them and to an extent even a child can understand.
Verse 11: God's word will go forth and accomplish its work and return back to Him. It is just like the rain that falls will go back up to the skies. But when it falls, it does its work of fertilising the ground, etc and accomplishes its purpose. Same goes for God's word.
Back to verse 10, Jesus says it will give seed to the sower and bread to the eater. Jesus gives you seed to sow and to eat. If a farmer leaves his own harvest for himself to eat, then the future will be very bleak. This sentence is all about prosperity. This context is about physical giving and is found in 2 Corinthians 9:7-11. Paul is actually quoting Isaiah 55.

God is going to bless you with many to eat and many to give this year.

2 Corinthians 9:10
Verse 10: "supplies" is present active participle. Be supply minded and not demand oriented. Grace is always conscious of supply.
"Sower" is also a present active participle. God is saying that the one who supplies continuously will be blessed continuously. The seed in your bank will never increase. The seed sown to God's kingdom will always increase.

Isaiah 45:3
Verse 3: God is saying that He will give you all the treasures that is hidden in His season. There are much more not open yet. The supply is always there and God will reveal His good treasures when the time is ripe.
Don't forget what David did when God propers you.

1 Chronicles 26:24-27
Verse 24: These men dedicated some of the plunder they had gained in battle to maintain the house of the Lord. Pastor took The Star as an example and pointed out the extra efforts and money are needed to maintain the state of the building. It is not just about getting the building and the end of it.

Nehemiah 13:4-12
Pastor shared about the story of Sanballat and Tobiah. In summary, they entered the kingdom's of God's treasury room through priest Eliashib's arrangement during the king's absence. During that time, the people of the temple were stripped of their positions and they had worked in the fields to sustain themselves. Only when the king came back, he restored everything in the treasury and ousted the enemy out from God's temple.

In closing,
Deuteronomy 28:12-13
This verse has God's signatures 3 times through the Greek characters Aleph Tav.
He makes sure what you touch prospers. God wants you to know that this truth is coming and He has shown through his signatures in this verse and not other verses.

Little "Sermon" of mine

Since there is a missing sermon post for 20th January 2013, I thought if I could, I would try to upload a little "sermon" of mine.

Early this week, my team organised a training with an external vendor who specialises in malware protection. This product, FireEye Web Malware Protection System (MPS), truly looks like a state of the art appliance.

For the non-technical folks out there, let me explain how it works as a whole.
An innocently looking executable downloaded from the Internet may seemingly be what you need. While it executes and presents you the information, it does some other malicious work in the background which may involve modifying your critical system/registry settings, download even more malwares for use as a backdoor or even establish a connection with the hacker to send over your confidential files.

This solution claims to protect you in the following ways:
1) Captures known and unknown malwares the moment suspicious behavior is detected.
2) Detects what goes in the background when you launch any files and immediately lock-down any callbacks to the Internet. This callback indicates that a communication may be taking place with the unknown on the Internet.

Well, you may be curious as to why this blog post has turned "technical". I hope my next little sharing will bless you.

While I was fully immersed in the full capabilities of the appliance, a playful thought surfaced in my head.

"How good if I can buy this appliance and "plug" it to myself so that it can be my armour for my whole body."

Then I "heard" a voice within:
"If you would believe in me, I will be your FireEye".

That's when I realised that we already have a "FireEye appliance" when we first received Christ as our Lord and Saviour. He has already given us heaven's best and we don't even need to harbour such thoughts.

I guess we tend to forget Christ at times in this fast paced world we live in.
Isn't it great that He doesn't forget us and even knows us by name?

Please share this little story with your friends and be blessed!

(In case you are wondering if I am a spokesman for the product, I'm not :p)

13 January 2013

Topic: David's Ministry

Pastor Lian shares there were a amazing total of 451 children in Rock Kidz saved during the last 3 weeks of service.

Today is Part 2 to the sermon of the Key of David.

Jesus said to the church of Philadelphia in Revelation 3:7-8 that He has the key of David. He says He who opens and no one shuts, and shuts no one opens.
He will open the door of wholeness and prosperity in your life. Prosperity is not just having money in your life. It is prosperity in all areas of your life.
You have to allow God to open the door. When He comes in, abundance we comes in. Jesus never attends a funeral before. When He comes, the people are always blessed.

Joseph and Mary brought a pigeon to offer to God, an indication they were poor. But they did not remain poor throughout. The wise men brought gold, frankincense and mirth to them.

There are those who says Jesus makes them sick. Pastor says if you can find a verse in the scriptures that Jesus went about to make people sick, he will offer a reward of $10,000.
Jesus took the 5 loaves and 2 fishes, looked up to heaven and blessed the people with 5 basketful leftovers. You will always receive something greater when you sow to him.

Isaiah 22:22
Verse 22: Notice the key of the house of David.
Jesus says He is the root and the offspring of David. He can be the offspring because Jesus came as a man.
In Greek, this verse is in continuous tense. It's happening all the time. This is the year. So why the key of David? There is a characteristic of David. As a young boy, he would sing praises to a herd of sheep. David is known as a man of praise and worship. With him comes Psalms 23 where he says the Lord is my shepherd and he shall not lack.

Remember Paul and Silas shared last week? In their midnight hour, they sang hymns and songs to God. This "hymns" in greek actually refer to the songs of David. Even if sickness is binding you, that chain will be loose. The moment you sing praises, He will put in the key and open the door for you.

"But Pastor, why are you sharing about David when he's in the old testament?"
"If you look in the new testament, Jesus says He will bring back David."
Acts 15:13-17
Verse 17: Jesus says He will rebuild the tabernacle of David.
We are the generation that will witness the restoration of praise and worship this year.

2 Chronicles 29:30
Verse 30: "... to sing praise to The Lord with the words of David..."

The song "Be exalted, O Lord" in actually found in Psalms 57. When you sing songs of David, something will happen and good things will happen to you, around you and through you. Even your mistakes will cause you to prosper.

The word "holy" means to set apart, and to be uncommon. Don't be like the the world who complains at anything. It is easy to criticise. We need to learn to give praise.

Before God made Solomon the richest man in history, he asked for wisdom. The moment he woke up, he went straight to the ark to seek God's presence. Solomon treasures God's presence and so should you.

Psalm 34 is also another song of David.
At all times I will bless Him, His praise will be in my mouth.
Psalm 34 is not for a perfect person to sing.

Right after David killed Goliath, Saul started to pursue David. Saul always cornered David but whenever he praised God, he escaped unharmed.
In another instance, he sang another song as he was going up the mount of olives with tears in his eyes. "The lifter of my head". After that a series of events that happened, he was restored back to Jerusalem. When you are really down in your life, Jesus wants you to chin up and know that He's here for you.


1 Samuel 22:1-2
Verse 1: David wrote Psalm 34 at this time when he departed to the cave of Adullam.
Verse 2: Everyone who was in distress, in debt and discontented gathered with him.
Look to Psalms 34:1-15 to see how he wrote a psalm with those who gathered with him.

Psalm 34:1-15
A Psalm of david when he pretended madness before Abimelech, who drove him away, and he departed.
The Lord delivered David from all his fears. When you look to the Lord, your face shines.
Verse 6: The Lord heard him and saved him out of all his troubles.
Verse 7: The angel of the Lord encamps all who worships Him and delivers them.
Verse 10: Those who seek the lord shall not lack any good thing.
Verse 12: This verse is actually saying "Who wants to see many many good days?" Look to next book.

1 Peter 3:10
To see good days, refrain tongue from evil and lips from speaking deceit.

In closing,

Let's look at the end of David.
2 Samuel 23:8-12
Verse 8: The verse talks about how David killed an army of 800 people. The Lord energised him.
Verse 9-10: The verses speak of the victory in the great fight.
Verse 11-12: The verses speak of the victory of the killing of Philistines.

Pastor asked the church to stand and sing praises to the Lord with Psalm 23.

While giving praise, Pastor spoke this verse and praise and worship continues.
Matthew 11:28-30
Verse 30: For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.

6 January 2013

Topic: The New Year Message of 2013

Today is Vision Sunday. This is the day where God sets the theme for the church this year.

God works through the local church. The theme God has for the church is for everyone in the church.
The theme does not mean that is the only thing that will happen for us this year. God knows we are focused at only one thing at a time. We don't leave Restful Increase just because we have a new theme this year. In fact it is added on. You look back to see that God works in many ways for the past year.

So what does God has for us this year 2013?
Pastor sought the Lord while patting Justin to bed one afternoon and coincidentally flips to the bible passage, Isaiah 22:23-24, which speaks about "The key of David". In this context found in Revelation, there is one church which God does not rebuke. The seven churches existed during the time of John. The sixth and seventh churches should exist concurrently.
Revelation 3:7-8
Verse 7: "... He who is holy". We can look away from all the filth of this world and look to Jesus who is altogether holy. Holy means you stand out, you have charisma. God wants His people holy, separated from the world.
"... He who is true". How great to know He is always true, unlike the world who works in evil ways. Money is a servant, not a master. Believe in what you are doing. In the world full of pretence, you can know you got someone whom you can rest in.
To one church, God appeared with eyes on fire. It is because the church lacked the eyes of discernment.
"... the key of David...". This is the Philadelphia church which God did not rebuke and Pastor wants NCC to be like.
"He who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens". God reveals to us that this year, when God shuts the door to evil, no one can open. When God opens doors of favour, no one shuts it.
Go to Isaiah 22:22, God revealed the verse about the key of David to Pastor. The number "22" is very dear to Pastor because 22Media Pte Ltd is his ministry. In the biblical representation, "22" represents "light".

Back to Revelation 3:7-8
Verse 8: God has set before us an open door, and no one can shut it.
In essence, God is telling us this year is going to be a year of many open doors.

In the end times where there will be a rise of anti-Christ, they are not anti-God but anti-Christ.
This year there will  be trials, but at the end of the service, Pastor will pray for the church for promotions, protection and having no trials. There are some things God will protect you from but there are also things He allows you to go through, not just go through, but with victory.
This year He will open doors no one can shut and close doors no one can open. Do not expect a physical door, it's a spiritual door. God will put in the key, open the door to a brand new world for you. It doesn't matter if you lack the certs or smarts, when God opens, no critics can shut it.

Acts 14:27
Verse 27: God had opened the door of faith.

Jesus holds the key with His nail-pierced hands and He will never use it against you.

There was a time where the world is created for men to live in forever. That was God's dream. But Adam and Eve sinned and their sin brought forth sickness, diseases and death. That is why sin became God's greatest enemy. When Jesus came, He went about healing. Satan once had the power of death in Hebrews 2. So who held the power of death now? Look to Revelation 1:16-18. God says He has the keys of Hades and of death in Verse 18. No one can send you to hell. This also means you cannot even lose your salvation. The devil can never call your number anymore. In context, God was telling John this truth.
Pastor then shares about the story of John who was thrown into a pot of boiling oil by the greatest anti-Christ king in the Roman history. He came up of the boiling oil and continued preaching. When the whole city saw that, they all submitted theirs lives to God. It's like God saying to John, "I have the key, I will protect you."
Look at it this way, God has the key to your life. When He opens the door of protection for you, no one can shut it.
This key of Hades is not the key of David. That's a different key and a different message altogether. Jesus is holding the key of David and He will open doors for you. If you lack great faith, ask God to open the door of faith for you.

2 Corinthians 2:12
"... a door was opened to me by the Lord". So who opens the door for you? It is God who opens, not you who opens. We are so dependent on Him. Those who bow their knees to God are the people who stand high above all men with power.

1 Corinthians 16:9
Verse 9: Paul is saying a great and effective door is opened for him. He also mentions about the many adversaries. There are many who are jealous and full of critics. Don't expect yourself not to have any adversary when God opens doors for you this year.

Pastor reveals that he always makes this prayer before he preaches. Look at Colossians 4:3-4.
Verse 3: ".. open onto us a door of utterance..". If our words are anointed with the power of the holy spirit, our words that goes out are blessed. Pastor has prayed this prayer all these years for his ministry to speak life to people. In your career, you can also pray that. God can open the door of utterance to you before an interview or presentation. A few words carry more weight than paragraphs.

God also revealed to Pastor that this year will also be a year of open wombs. Many babies will be born this year.

Genesis 30:22
Verse 22: God remember Rachael, listened to her and opened her womb.
"But Pastor, how can a womb be a door?"
Turn to Job 3:10, "... the doors of my mother's womb." There you have it, it's a spiritual door.

Back to Genesis 30:22, God listened to her. If you want God to use the key, pray and tell God to do it. The fact God listened to her meant that she prayed. Look at Colossians 4:3-4, "Withal praying...". She prayed too.

One of the secret for God to use the key of David is to pray.

Prayer is an expression of grace. It literally means I cannot, only God can. In situations where you are cornered, God will open to you the door of utterance.
If you do not like your children mixing with a bad group of friends, pray to God knowing that you have influence to God. We have influence with God. Don't be surprised there are people who don't pray and only pray when they cannot. When man opens a door, it comes with many conditions. When God opens, it comes with love.

It's a brand new world for you when God opens the door for you.
"But Pastor, you don't understand la, I'm at the age which I can't conceive."
"Hey you don't understand the spirit of Sarah. Sarah became fruitful at the age of 90 and yet a king wanted her".

God does not force His blessings on you. Do you choose to be? If you do, He will open doors for you just by asking.

You will hear more stories about David this year. Today's message is just an introduction of what God will do for us this year.

Let's look at an example of a closed doors in the bible.
Acts 16:6-7
Verse 6: Asia is referring to "Turkey", not present day Asia. "... they were forbidden by the holy spirit to preach the word in Asia". That is a time where God knows it is not time yet.
Verse 7: Holy spirit did not allow them to preach in Mysia too. God know it's not time for the gospel revolution at Mysia yet.

God doesn't guide a parked car. God guides through your desires. If it grows within you, it means it is God's direction for you. If the desire shrinks or faints, it is an indication that it is not for you. Use this gift for major decisions such as which job to take up or which schools to enrol for.

Acts 16:14
Verse 14: "... who worshipped God. The Lord opened her heart...". The governing factor of David's life is worship. Don't put yourself in the place of judge. We do not know God's plans. God will send somebody to spread the gospel to him. God works through mighty ways.

In closing,
Acts 16:23-34
Verse 24: "inner prison" back in those days are the lowest level of the prison where poo comes down from the top. Paul and Silas were in the lowest part of their lives.
Verse 25: "At midnight". Is it a midnight time in your life? Paul and Silas prayed and sang hymns to God at their darkest hour and lowest pit in life.

The second secret to the key of David is praise.

Paul and Silas were singing songs of praise to God and even "the prisoners were listening to them". What do you think will happen if you sing praises to God on your way to work? Surely it will do more good than bad.

Verse 26: "Suddenly". Suddenly your situation turns around. Suddenly you were healed. There was a great earthquake, the doors opened and all chains broke loose. What kind of chains are holding you now? If there is, seek God to open the door of liberty for you.
Verse 27: What man shuts, Jesus can open.
Verse 28: When God's grace is on you, you give love to other people. Just like Paul telling the guard not to kill himself. Isn't that great. This is the grace of God.
Verse 32: People still need to hear the word.
Verse 33: Baptism doesn't just save you. It cause your addictions to die off. If you are a believer for some time, it's good to be baptised. You will be surprised how a changed person you become.
Verse 34: You and your household will rejoice. This is what will happen to you and your household in 2013.

The world says not to raise your hopes. Jesus says raise up all your hopes because all your hopes will come true in 2013.