Sunday, February 24, 2013
24 February 2013
Praise and Worship: Today we sang a song titled "In Whom I Can Trust by Steven Wee".
In case you heard this song, you may sing along to the lyrics below:
You are the Lord In whom I can trust
You are the Rock I can stand upon
Every step of the way
You take my hand and say
You'll always be here right beside me
When I call on You I know You'll come to me
You are the Lord
In Whom I can trust
You are my Fortress
You're my Deliverer
My Shield
My Strength
For all of my days
I place my hope in Jesus
Who love me with His life The Rock of my Salvation
In Whom i can trust
Song: In Whom I Can Trust
(Contributed by a kind reader aka leichyue)
=====================================================================
Topic: God's Glory Causes Your Words To Carry Weight
Video testimony of a NUS student who got healed in the NCC Legacy Camp in 2012. He was suffering from a damaged meniscus on his knee due to one extensive training in a day. During one of the evening worship sessions, Pastor called out a condition of the knee only for him to jump out to receive God's healing.
Before that, he participated in countless swimming competitions. He shared that before each competition, he had to train all day long and had lots of preparation work to do.
After God healed him, he went back to the doctor and was given the all clear to resume training for the next ASEAN competition. Unfortunately, he fell sick 2 weeks before the race. He did not train as hard as before but continued to take part in the competition with a light heart without any expectations. Surely it was grace that he came in first place.
He finally understood that it was never through his self effort that brought him victory. Today, he takes part in each competition, feeling restful.
Psalm 8:5-6
When God made you, God crowned (atar - all surround) you with His glory and honour. Honour in greek is defined as magnificence and beauty.
Glory is the manifestation of God's glory. In fact, glory is also used for "weight" in the bible. In other words, God crowned man with weight. In other words, whatever you say carries weight.
Jesus spoke to demons and they left. Jesus spoke to the storm and it was calm. Jesus cursed the fig tree and it died. Jesus delivered the man from leprosy and he was healed.
God's original plan is always on His heart. He wants man to live the best life. Jesus came to give us zoe life. The moment you accept Jesus Christ, you are bestowed with eternal life. We have received the very life of God and the glory and honour that was once lost are now restored.
The word "honour" is used in Isaiah 53. The bible tells us there was no beauty when Jesus was tortured and crucified. He became ugly and was beyond recognition for our sake so that we now we never need to be ashamed and can walk in God's glory and honour.
Now that you have this glory, start speaking to your condition. Speak life. Don't have to be bothered about what others would say when you do that. It's better to be "crazy" than to be like the world who die young.
When we bring up our children, we adopt the spirit of nagging. Most of the time, we do that because we are not confident that our words carry weight. Know clearly that our words carry more weight than celebrities. It's not what the world says, it's what you say. In Mark 11, Jesus says that whosoever says, if you believe, it will happen to you.
The body of Christ is so afraid of dealing with the world. It is amazing that christians act shock when sinners sin. (Pastor pauses) We should be shocked when christians are holy.
Pastor reminds the church about the message last week. In Haggai, when the clean touches the unclean, the clean becomes unclean. Under grace, the clean touches the unclean and both become clean. As shown in 1 Corinthians 7, holiness is contagious.
Don't always visualise Jesus as the nice one and God the Father being stern and fierce. That is not true because for God so loved the world, God sent His son. God is love.
Works of faith has got nothing to do with morality. It is not about the gospel. We are for righteousness of faith. Jesus said to the Pharisees, "you think committing adultery is physically sleeping with the woman? If you in your mind undress a woman, that is tantamount to sinning". That is the standard of the law. Why did Jesus say that? He did that to reveal man's guilt and sin.
Jesus' death fulfilled God's law so that now we can put aside the law. It is like once you have fulfilled your debt to the bank, you stop paying isn't it. We are now living under grace. If you said otherwise, it is tantamount to saying Jesus' death on the cross is not complete/perfect.
When God forgave man, He did not exchange His holiness to forgive man. He forgave man because He recognised the death on the cross and His righteousness.
When we see all the challenges in the world, we should constantly remind ourselves what Paul said, "Where sin increases, grace superabound."
1 John 2:15-16
Verse 15: What does it mean "Do not love the world.."? It does not mean not to love the world, that is a perverted interpretation. So what makes music or clothing worldly?
Verse 16: In other words, is music filled with the lust of the flesh? Before you jump the gun and claim these things are worldly, confirm if the content contains the lust of the flesh. God wants you to depend on His glory. We think we should teach our kids to touch not, taste not and see not. But even if you do so, they will still do it secretly.
If you are filled with pride or jealously, it means that you don't know how much you are loved - In Verse 15, it says the love "of" (not for) the Father is not in him.
We steal because we do not believe God can provide. We commit adultery because we do not trust that God will use our marriage to satisfy us.
If we talk more about the love of the Father, all the unnecessary things will fall off. We should always speak words of praises or blessings to our children and affirm them that Jesus loves them.
We are the stars of Abraham's seed. When TV first came out, many preachers in the US told their church never to buy a tv because it is a one-eye monster. Satan must have said amen to that and brought forth all the filth through tv as a medium. For the same reason, Pastor Prince's sermon messages are broadcasted in all over the world. His sermon messages are aired on tv in Israel every night at 9:30pm.
Jesus moved among sinners, social outcasts, prostitutes and tax collectors but He did not have to be like them (the world). He walked amongst them and changed their lives.
Pastor shared about Judah Smith who always text/email Pastor questions he may have while preparing for his sermon messages for his church. He looked to Pastor as a father to him. He shared that recently Justin Bieber invited Judah Smith to his concert, where he preached the gospel to Justin and his entourage together with Selela Gomez. All of them cried and Judah professed that all of them are all truly born again.
God wants you to inherit the world. Look at Romans 4:13-15, verse 13, God wants you to be the heir of the world, not through the law but through the righteousness of faith. In other words, you believe you are righteous by faith. In verse 14, it says of those who believe the law, faith becomes nothing. Those who preach the law will cause sinners to sense the anger of God and cause them to turn away. As shown in verse 15, it says the law brings wrath.
Pastor believed that many will walk out today in the glory and honour God has for us.
In the 40 days temptation, Jesus was tempted in 3 ways. One temptation is the pride of life. Hunger urge or sex urges are all given by God. It depends on how you fulfil them.
Proverbs 26:2
Verse 2: God is saying when a curse comes, there is a reason. So what has a sparrow got to do with a curse?
God brought Pastor to Matthew 10:29-31.
Verse 29: Two sparrows and a copper coin are cheap. Jesus says none of these fall off without God's knowledge. Jesus is telling you that He knows when you are fearful and worried about something. So talk to your father. Interestingly in Luke 12:6-7, it shows us that two copper coins can bring us five sparrows. In verse 7, it says you are worth more than many sparrows. This is something we should remind ourselves, rather than condemning others.
God's love for us is the same as Him loving Jesus. Look to John 17:23 to know how much you're loved. In verse 3, "have loved them as You have loved Me". This is Jesus talking to God. Talk to Jesus everyday and share with Him everything.
In closing,
2 Peter 1:16-18
Verse 17: Peter bore witness to Jesus receiving from God the honour and glory on the Mount of Transfiguration.
This verse was a revealation to Pastor and he understood that the more we affirm our children with our words of love, the more worth they will feel and they will be able to take rejection in future.
Pastor revealed that his son, Justin, now coming to 10 months is looking for praises. How much more a kid today wants a demonstration of love from their parents?
Don't be afraid to tell your children "no" to content that contains the lust of flesh. Pastor shares that he practices this with Jessica and they are both good with this approach.
Before service ends, Pastor reminds:
Throughout this week, be conscious of God's love for you and that is where good things will happen to you.
Sunday, February 17, 2013
17 February 2013
Praise and Worship: Another two great songs led by Adeline today.
Topic: Grace is Contagious
To last week's sermon by Pastor Mark, Pastor pays tribute to him and highlighted that though his english is far from good, he is anointed and his message is able to bless everyone. When he shares, people respond. Pastor says that you can be skilful but dry as a bone. Praise God that Pastor Mark is oily.
Pastor makes a prayer for everyone to be baptised with God's anointing.
In the story of the Good Samaritan, Jesus rebuked His disciples when they asked for permission to call down fire from heaven as they were denied access to the village. Today, there are still believers still living in the Old Testament. In the Old Testament, sin is contagious. In the New Testament, mercy and holiness are contagious.
There was a leper who went to seek Jesus. The leper did not doubt Jesus has the power to heal. Many Christians today also do not doubt Jesus can heal. But His willingness is questioned today.
Let's follow the story of the leper to stop all unbelief once and for all. Jesus said "I am willing" and He touched the leper. A touch meant the world to the leper as they were social outcasts in those days. The law magnifies sin but grace and truth came from Jesus.
Paul talks in Colossians 2:21 to touch not, taste not and handle not, in an approach of denying the flesh. Many christians today interpret this verse such that if we do not behave like the world, we will score points and Jesus will bless us.
Light is seeing in its beauty among the darkness.
"But Pastor what about the verse in 2 Corinthians 6:14, "Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers?""
The bible is always consistent and accurate. Due to a misinterpretation of this verse, many christians become so afraid to have business dealings with people of the world. They assume that christians can only have business dealings with perfect beings. If you study the bible, God also took the money of the world to build His house. Referring to the bible, back then the Egyptians gave slaves gold and silver and later it was used to build the ark of covenant.
Pastor shares that many years ago, there was a certain Pastor in Singapore who does not allow his daughter to wear gold of any shape or form due to the following verse.
1 Peter 3:3 Don't let your attraction be adorning of gold. It goes on to say putting on clothes. Pastor jokes if this is indeed true, we should even follow this verse by not donning any clothing. Many of times, we misquote the bible and behave as if we are under the law.
Luke 7:34
In this verse, the Pharisees made it as an insult and called Jesus a friend of sinners. But we know it is a wonderful accusation.
1 Corinthians 5:9-13
Verse 9-10: Paul says he wrote a letter my referring to non-believers. In explanation, Paul is emphasising that it's alright to associate with non-believers.
Verse 11: Paul refers to those who claims to be a believer and has a motive of cheating.
Verse 12: Many believers think that they can judge people but Paul thinks otherwise in this verse. He says it is our responsibility to only judge sinners in the church. Pastor shared there were countless discipline in the church all these years and something they will not just sit back.
So back to the verse in 2 Corinthians 5:17-6:2
Verse 17: The verse which New Creation Church is all familiar with.
Verse 18: All of us have a ministry of reconciliation.
Verse 19: God is reconciling the world to Himself and not imputing their trespasses unto them.
There is a sin that God is judging people today. The sin of rejection of God.
Pastor shared the story of the man with a withered right hand in the bible. In those days when hands are not mobile, it means his livelihood is destroyed. But when Jesus healed the man, it not only meant that his livelihood is restored, the man's dignity is also restored as he is able to work and provide for the family. At that time, the Pharisees wanted to witness if Jesus would heal on the sabbath. When Jesus knew, He looked at them and was angry.
On the topic of the "holy land" such as The Star Vista or a church building, Pastor reminds us that we are the temple of God and are always a blessing to those around us. Wherever you go, you bring God's blessings with you too. We do not need to be in a so called "holy place" in order to feel or act holy.
However, there are christians who treat a place like a holy sanctuary which is needless. In case you think this is being holy, in actual fact this is being self righteous. Pastor reminds us that it is our presence that transforms the hall to a church. We are always a santuary in God's eyes.
Jesus obviously ate and drunk but was never drunk. The bible is against drunkardness. Some drink wine for health reasons but if you don't have a taste for it, then don't take it. Love is the governing principle.
Jesus says to us to be as wise as serpents and harmless like doves.
Pastor shares about Pastor Brian from Hillsong. He hightlights that Hillsong New York holds their church services in a nightclub. For Hillsong London, they hold their services in a theatre. For Hillsong South Africa, their services are held in the largest theatre in Cape Town. Jesus said where two or three are gathered in His name, He is in our midst. The location is secondary.
Back to 2 Corinthians 5:17-6:2,
Verse 20: Be reconciled with God.
Look at Chapter 6 Verse 1 now before the verse of "unequally yoked" in Verse 14.
This whole context is for us to understand the fact that Jesus is for us.
Verse 14: So what is yoke? It can refer to law, grace or worship.
In Verse 17, it says to depart and not touch the unclean. This verse is quoted from Isaiah 52:11.
Many people in the world like to prosper from Babylon's system. However Jesus says His way is through sowing and tithing. In bible geology, Babylon is defined as confusion.
So in context, the verse of unequally yoked is saying to us not to live in their immorality or worship what they worship. If this verse is indeed how many christians interpret today, then does it mean that doctors cannot attend to sinners? Or lawyers cannot represent sinners?
Abraham cut a covenant with Abimelech at Beersheba.
Marriage is to share the yoke with your partner.
If a believer would like to have a tumour removed, would you rather have a non-believer who is experienced in this field or a christian who just graduated?
Jesus sanctifies us by washing us with the water today. It is the word of God that cleanses you. When we say let's cleanse ourselves, it does not mean we cleanse ourselves physically knowing we actually can't. Just like we say let's shower ourselves. In actual fact, it is the shower that showers us.
The filthiness is on your flesh, but when you come to God, He washes you each time without fail. Pastor shows us an illustration of a gold bar under mud and asked if this would reduce its value? The value is "restored" after cleansing. The more you come, the more we are cleansed. It is a new and living way.
Under law, your sins are remembered for 3 generations and sin is contagious. Look at Haggai 2:11-14.
Under grace, your sins are remembered no more.
In closing,
1 Corinthians 7:12-15
Verse 12: Paul reiterates by telling us that this verse is for us and not the Lord. Divorce is not God's will. Never use this verse as an excuse for divorce because this has already been addressed in the next verse.
Verse 14: The unbelieving wife/husband is sanctified by each other. The child then becomes sanctified. This is proof of contagious grace.
Verse 15: So if unbeliever departs, just let him depart. It's talking about marriage.
As long as husband and wife are together, they are unified as one and is sanctified. The child is also sanctified and this grace is forever contagious.
Topic: Grace is Contagious
To last week's sermon by Pastor Mark, Pastor pays tribute to him and highlighted that though his english is far from good, he is anointed and his message is able to bless everyone. When he shares, people respond. Pastor says that you can be skilful but dry as a bone. Praise God that Pastor Mark is oily.
Pastor makes a prayer for everyone to be baptised with God's anointing.
In the story of the Good Samaritan, Jesus rebuked His disciples when they asked for permission to call down fire from heaven as they were denied access to the village. Today, there are still believers still living in the Old Testament. In the Old Testament, sin is contagious. In the New Testament, mercy and holiness are contagious.
There was a leper who went to seek Jesus. The leper did not doubt Jesus has the power to heal. Many Christians today also do not doubt Jesus can heal. But His willingness is questioned today.
Let's follow the story of the leper to stop all unbelief once and for all. Jesus said "I am willing" and He touched the leper. A touch meant the world to the leper as they were social outcasts in those days. The law magnifies sin but grace and truth came from Jesus.
Paul talks in Colossians 2:21 to touch not, taste not and handle not, in an approach of denying the flesh. Many christians today interpret this verse such that if we do not behave like the world, we will score points and Jesus will bless us.
Light is seeing in its beauty among the darkness.
"But Pastor what about the verse in 2 Corinthians 6:14, "Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers?""
The bible is always consistent and accurate. Due to a misinterpretation of this verse, many christians become so afraid to have business dealings with people of the world. They assume that christians can only have business dealings with perfect beings. If you study the bible, God also took the money of the world to build His house. Referring to the bible, back then the Egyptians gave slaves gold and silver and later it was used to build the ark of covenant.
Pastor shares that many years ago, there was a certain Pastor in Singapore who does not allow his daughter to wear gold of any shape or form due to the following verse.
1 Peter 3:3 Don't let your attraction be adorning of gold. It goes on to say putting on clothes. Pastor jokes if this is indeed true, we should even follow this verse by not donning any clothing. Many of times, we misquote the bible and behave as if we are under the law.
Luke 7:34
In this verse, the Pharisees made it as an insult and called Jesus a friend of sinners. But we know it is a wonderful accusation.
1 Corinthians 5:9-13
Verse 9-10: Paul says he wrote a letter my referring to non-believers. In explanation, Paul is emphasising that it's alright to associate with non-believers.
Verse 11: Paul refers to those who claims to be a believer and has a motive of cheating.
Verse 12: Many believers think that they can judge people but Paul thinks otherwise in this verse. He says it is our responsibility to only judge sinners in the church. Pastor shared there were countless discipline in the church all these years and something they will not just sit back.
So back to the verse in 2 Corinthians 5:17-6:2
Verse 17: The verse which New Creation Church is all familiar with.
Verse 18: All of us have a ministry of reconciliation.
Verse 19: God is reconciling the world to Himself and not imputing their trespasses unto them.
There is a sin that God is judging people today. The sin of rejection of God.
Pastor shared the story of the man with a withered right hand in the bible. In those days when hands are not mobile, it means his livelihood is destroyed. But when Jesus healed the man, it not only meant that his livelihood is restored, the man's dignity is also restored as he is able to work and provide for the family. At that time, the Pharisees wanted to witness if Jesus would heal on the sabbath. When Jesus knew, He looked at them and was angry.
On the topic of the "holy land" such as The Star Vista or a church building, Pastor reminds us that we are the temple of God and are always a blessing to those around us. Wherever you go, you bring God's blessings with you too. We do not need to be in a so called "holy place" in order to feel or act holy.
However, there are christians who treat a place like a holy sanctuary which is needless. In case you think this is being holy, in actual fact this is being self righteous. Pastor reminds us that it is our presence that transforms the hall to a church. We are always a santuary in God's eyes.
Jesus obviously ate and drunk but was never drunk. The bible is against drunkardness. Some drink wine for health reasons but if you don't have a taste for it, then don't take it. Love is the governing principle.
Jesus says to us to be as wise as serpents and harmless like doves.
Pastor shares about Pastor Brian from Hillsong. He hightlights that Hillsong New York holds their church services in a nightclub. For Hillsong London, they hold their services in a theatre. For Hillsong South Africa, their services are held in the largest theatre in Cape Town. Jesus said where two or three are gathered in His name, He is in our midst. The location is secondary.
Back to 2 Corinthians 5:17-6:2,
Verse 20: Be reconciled with God.
Look at Chapter 6 Verse 1 now before the verse of "unequally yoked" in Verse 14.
This whole context is for us to understand the fact that Jesus is for us.
Verse 14: So what is yoke? It can refer to law, grace or worship.
In Verse 17, it says to depart and not touch the unclean. This verse is quoted from Isaiah 52:11.
Many people in the world like to prosper from Babylon's system. However Jesus says His way is through sowing and tithing. In bible geology, Babylon is defined as confusion.
So in context, the verse of unequally yoked is saying to us not to live in their immorality or worship what they worship. If this verse is indeed how many christians interpret today, then does it mean that doctors cannot attend to sinners? Or lawyers cannot represent sinners?
Abraham cut a covenant with Abimelech at Beersheba.
Marriage is to share the yoke with your partner.
If a believer would like to have a tumour removed, would you rather have a non-believer who is experienced in this field or a christian who just graduated?
Jesus sanctifies us by washing us with the water today. It is the word of God that cleanses you. When we say let's cleanse ourselves, it does not mean we cleanse ourselves physically knowing we actually can't. Just like we say let's shower ourselves. In actual fact, it is the shower that showers us.
The filthiness is on your flesh, but when you come to God, He washes you each time without fail. Pastor shows us an illustration of a gold bar under mud and asked if this would reduce its value? The value is "restored" after cleansing. The more you come, the more we are cleansed. It is a new and living way.
Under law, your sins are remembered for 3 generations and sin is contagious. Look at Haggai 2:11-14.
Under grace, your sins are remembered no more.
In closing,
1 Corinthians 7:12-15
Verse 12: Paul reiterates by telling us that this verse is for us and not the Lord. Divorce is not God's will. Never use this verse as an excuse for divorce because this has already been addressed in the next verse.
Verse 14: The unbelieving wife/husband is sanctified by each other. The child then becomes sanctified. This is proof of contagious grace.
Verse 15: So if unbeliever departs, just let him depart. It's talking about marriage.
As long as husband and wife are together, they are unified as one and is sanctified. The child is also sanctified and this grace is forever contagious.
Sunday, January 27, 2013
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.
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
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)
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)
Sunday, January 13, 2013
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.
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.
Saturday, January 5, 2013
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.
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.
Sunday, December 16, 2012
16 December 2012
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.
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)