Wed, Jun 28th - 11:52PM

The significance of the Three... Another three

 5 Peter said to Jesus, 'Rabbi, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.' 6 (He did not know what to say, they were so frightened.)

 7 Then a cloud appeared and enveloped them, and a voice came from the cloud: 'This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to Him!' " (Mark 9:2-7)

What does this mean? Probably can look at each of the three individually:

Moses stands for the Mosaic Law (like Sabbath, animal sacrifice etc), which people no longer need to follow as a mean of worshipping God now that the Saviour is present in our lives. Now we need is to obey God's Word through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Elijah stands for the many prophets who spoke of the coming of the Christ on earth. Now that Jesus is here, we can rely on Him and not the prophets to save and redeem us.

So, Jesus is the Salvation that God has for us. So let's follow Him with all our hearts and soul.

God bless

Mon, Jun 26th - 10:46AM

To the ends of the world part 2

"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." - Acts 1:8

Thank you for all your prayers and praise the Lord for blessing me and my fellow companions during our trip to Korat, Thailand. It was truly a wonderful learning experience and exposure as we truly saw the blessings and passions of the people here in Singapore as well as in Korat. Perhaps let me share this experience with all of us.

Day 1: Bangkok to Korat

We arrived in Bangkok Airport around 6 plus local time in the evening and waited for our 2 other companions, who had earlier came to Thailand to visit some Boys' Brigade (BB) companies in Thailand. They were perhaps two of the many pioneers who had introduced and set up the BB movement in Thailand. Due to the heavy traffic jam in the Thai capital, they only managed to arrive at the airport around 7 plus. Initially, we thought that they were in some sort of trouble and my partner Mr Rick Chong went to look for them around the airport. When they arrived, we were so relieved that our gloomy feelings turned to happiness. We got to praise God for their safe journey here.

We then proceeded to one of the bus interchange nearby and took a bus to Korat province, the largest in Thailand. It was a 4-hour journey from Bangkok and on the way, we were given biscuits, drinks to consume (and kill our boredness) during this long trip. On the way, Mr Chong and I were discussing on the possible programme, personnel and logistics necessary for the mission trip in december to the same place. Occasionally, I would look out to see the surrounding and saw the different (as compared to Singapore), rural setting of Thailand. Truly, we reflected on our blessings being in SIngapore after exposing ourselves to such an environment and I would say that the boys and girls we would be bringing should come here to see and realised how fortunate we could be back in our homeland.

We reached to a road junction near the church around 12 midnight and Kit, our Thai guide and wife of my companion, Kian Ann, called the pastor to bring us to the church. The pastor came shortly in his car and drove us to his home, the church. This is the first time I saw such a great sacrifice in this servant of God as he sacrificed his 3-storey house to become a home for some church and BB members, a church and his home. Some of the kids stayed overnight this Friday evening because their house were so far away that it probably would take them 2 hours or more just to come here to attend BB parades and Sunday service. I was touched by the Holy Spirit as we explored and understood his means to bring God's Word to the people around Korat through converting his house into a church. From him, we knew that the population of Korat is around 3 million and only 300 people are Christians. As the pastor said, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few (as Jesus mentioned in Matthew 9:37 and Luke 10:2)." Truly, there are still so many lost children of God He wants to save, but there are just like the pastor, his wife, and a few other church workers to run the whole church.

We introduced ourselves to the pastor, his wife and to his fellow workers (it was like midnight, so only a few stayed up so late just to welcome us here). I must say that their hospitality was excellent as they brought in food, drinks and we all sat around a table to fellowship. Then we understood the situation of the BB company they were running:

The 20th Thailand Company consisted of about 30 members, with girls overnumbering the boys (this is the first time I had seen girls inside the Boys' Brigade Movement worldwide, that's mighty God's Work!). The pastor's wife is the captain of the company, with two other female officers helping out. They run activities on Saturdays. Some of the members just love to come to BB because of their passion for God's Word and for fellowship activities like games and music lessons. Poverty-striken their respective family backgrounds were, yet they were contented and happy. I was happy to know that quite a few members declared themselves Christians even among their teachers and peers, and wanted to spread the Gospel to their peers too. This was how desperate and hunger they are for God. I really envied their spirit and was impressed by their "report book", which we could bring some inspirations back into our Singapore company.

Day 2: Korat Church

We woke up and washed up before we meet together, all four of us on the first floor for devotion, while the pastor's family meet together for prayer upstairs. Kian Ann shared to all of us about the first Great Commission, when God told Abraham (then Abram), "Leave your country, your people and your father's household and go to the land I will show you.

"I will make you into a great nation
       and I will bless you;
       I will make your name great,
       and you will be a blessing.

 I will bless those who bless you,
       and whoever curses you I will curse;
       and all peoples on earth
       will be blessed through you." (Genesis 12:1-3)

And how this Commission applies even now. Yes, this is God's Ministry, not ours and so we must pray and let God take centre stage in running the show as we, His stewards serve Him in fulfilling His Will. Let's be a blessing so that God can bless us with even more to continue this blessing process for others.

9 am local time, the BB parade started. The pastor's wife earlier had requested that we lead the games for the kids to participate in. First, we got all together while she introduced all four of us to the BB members. Then we had the game, "Wacko", when we had to remember all of the names and try to avoid being hit by the person with the wacko stick by shouting another name. A great ice-breaker, as we got to know them better through their names.

Then it was my time to lead. I was so excited that I was too nervous to start saying anything that some of them laughed together with me. So embarrassing, haha. Then the Holy Spirit gave me the courage to start it and we played "Blow wind blow". Their version was much fun as in the person in the middle (the "loser", as some will say) will say who will be "blown" away. Haha, I saw how passionate and enthuasiastic they were playing and really, as an officer, I had never made such enthuasiastic participation before. Surely, the boys and girls in Singapore truly have high expectations and will not even enjoyed such games. However, in here, they were like enjoying and playing their hearts out. So touching, yet a pitiful feeling I have for myself.

Then Mr Chong and Kian Ann led the other games, namely "Backet Game" and "Dog and Bone". I saw the continual enjoyment and all out attitude of the Thai kids playing these games, which in the later stage, they declared that the games section of the programme was the most exciting part for the day. This was really an experience that I could not (and probably would not) experience in Singapore: the warmth of the Thai kids and their passion during the games.

Then they had their Bible studies and worship. They were doing an action song and they did it so wonderfully, which further proved my assumption of their unending fire (passion) for God and for the BB. Then I looked at how they learnt the Bible and was inspired by their hunger for God's Word.

Later, they had music (Keyboard, drums and guitars) lessons and badge works. We didn't join in the activities as we were too tired after all the travelling the day before and had a nap. We then woke up to join all of them for lunch where we had fellowship again in the same BB tradition. Then we got to know of some kids' background like some facing broken family problems.

After lunch, they ended their activities and we all sat down with the pastor and church members to discuss about the possible programme we could have for the December mission trip. We truly, by God's grace and the Holy Spirit's prompting) had a fruitful talk and agreed on the programme.

We then proceeded to the daughter church, which was about 1-2 hour travelling time away. Then we met the pastor there, together with some youths who loved to come here to gather and play. Like the BB, this notion of youths coming to church under supervision is very good to prevent them for straying away from God in the streets. Then the pastor shared to us there this building was rented and she had not have her pay since two months ago. I was quite shocked to hear that, considering the churches in Singapore do not have financial problems. Later, she showed us the offerings and number of people attending, which was very miminal (less than 30 attended Sunday service here and 3,000 bahts, which is not even enough to pay the rental of the building). Guess we all responded to God's calling in helping her and I donated 500 bahts to her offering bag.

We then returned to the church, where we had some shopping and dinner at a nearby market. We returned to the church around 8 plus local time and we had our first bath (after so long...). Then we got a chilling experience of bathing in cold water tapped from a nearby water tank (probably trapped in a reservior of rain water). This is probably God's Will that He wanted us to experience such humble "treatment".

Day 3: Korat to Bangkok

We attended their Sunday service after our morning devotion time at 9:30 am local time. We had Thai worship, whom one of the church worker led with her worship band and choir of 5. It was unique as we had a file with the lyrics inside translated for us, so that we can sing along for God even we did not understand.  Then the pastor led us into Holy Communion, as we received the bread and wine (and I mean real red wine! I only realised it once I took it) as what Jesus said, "Do this in remembrance of me..." (as mentioned in Luke 22). Then the pastor taught us the Word of God through Matthew 4:4, (Jesus said to the Devil) "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.' " Indeed, the world wants us to focus on ourselves first, not God, but we will not survive and enjoy eternal life without God as our primary focus.

We then had fellowship lunch with two Canadian missionaries and the Philippines counterparts. We got to know that Ben and his wife from Canada came to Thailand with God's calling, abandoning all the comfort and luxury back home and humbly became teachers in a Catholic school here. Just like Jesus, they followed His example, gave up everything and serve our Heavenly Father with all their hearts. I praised and thanked God for them, for they had answered His Call. At the same time, I truly applaused them for their courage and passion for God.

We thanked the hosts for their warm hospitality all these while and left them at 12 noon local time. Again, we had to endure the 4 hour trip back to Bangkok, meeting rain and sunshine along the way. When we reached there, we found out that our bags stored in the storage space below the bus were soaked wet, probably due to the rain coming into the storage compartment. We left Bangkok on the plane at 7.40 pm Singapore time and reached Changi Airport at 11.10 pm Singapore time.

Really we got to praise God for this humbling experience for us and a truly remarkable trip with so many blessings and thanksgiving from Him and for Him. Now, we got to pray for the following:

1) For the December Mission Trip to be a fruitful one, touching more lives and saving more souls in Thailand

2) For the participants to be able to make it for this trip, ask God to overcome all obstacles that may hinger our processes

3) For the boys and girls to be humble, to be contended with what they have in Singapore, not to grumble with the living conditions there, to let God show them the way Jesus Christ showed us through His walk on earth 

And finally for God to bring us closer to Him through this mission.

Once again, we thank you all for your prayers and we hope to achieve our objectives (God's Will) through this trip.

God bless

Thu, Jun 22nd - 10:52AM

Brothers, sisters, let's love each other =)

"Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves." - Romans 12:10

Tue, Jun 20th - 11:35PM

Living Sacrifices

May we, your children, be living and holy sacrifices for you, Lord

"Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." - Romans 12:1-2

God bless

Mon, Jun 19th - 8:15AM

To the ends of the world

Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." - Matthew 28:18-20

Yes, the great Commission, as many of us will know from this passage. I now keep this passage in mind as I am going for my very first Mission Trip to Thailand from 23 to 25 June. Definitely I am excited, not only because of my first experience, but also because I am doing God's Will of Mission.

Then I saw this sermon that my former youth pastor, Pastor B preached to us last year.

"He (Jesus) said to them: 'It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by His own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.' " - Acts 1:7-8

Jerusalem was like the Apostles' home ground, with the same language and culture that they all understood. It is like me doing evangelism inside my Boys' Brigade company with the boys. Speaking the same language, we all know this harvest ground without doubt.

The people in Judea and Samaria, as compared to the Apostles' home ground, had different language and culture but generally had the same cultural family. Apparently, at the Apostles' time, many of them had not known the Gospel although there were Christian witnesses in the place. In my case, it is like the school my company is based in. Although there are Christians around, not all know or accept the Good News yet.

The end of the world, in the passage, means a group of people who have not known the Gospel and there is no or little Christian witnesses in the region. Now, I am trying to conquer a new ground for Him, together with past and present evangelists who had and had went to Thailand to save souls for God's Kingdom.

So, shall we answer the call to be witnesses to all these three group of people? Now, let's tell the world that Jesus save!

God bless

Sat, Jun 17th - 2:15AM

The World Cup of our Life!

"I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." - Philippians 3:14

Have you been watch this year World Cup? I do, and am very surprised of the high scoring matches like the first match, Argentina vs Serbia and the Spain first match. Wow, this world cup is very nice to watch, not much of quality football but of the beautiful goals that many scored so far. The ball that FIFA is using this year is very different from conventional ones (much lighter and different design), which causing a headache to goalkeepers (but a blessing to attackers).

Hmmm, as some will say, 22 people chasing after a ball, with only a few talented players having chances to get it into the goal. Some may be lucky, but I do believe judging from the skills displayed before getting the goal, most players must have worked very hard to obtain such skills during their trainings and experience. Not all who know how to score can score the goal, like many, who either shoot towards the goalkeepers or "balloon" (shoot high above the goal) it.

Imagine we, as soccer players inside the big pitch of the world, playing soccer. Perhaps this may happen too. Sometimes we score, sometimes we miss our chances in our endeavours. How about our walk with God?

If the Apostle Paul is the football coach of us, he would say this to us,

"Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.

 Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever." - 1 Corinthians 9:24-25

The World Cup is the ultimate prize (and desire) of all participating nations for the biggest soccer event of the world. Perhaps I will say that God's Cup is the ultimate prize of all mankind for eternity.

However, what is this prize?

Remember Jesus' promise?

"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." - Matthew 6:19-21

Probably we all know what is this prize exactly. I'll leave out this thought first.

And so, as Paul said,

"Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize." - 1 Corinthians 9:27

With this, I will leave you with the verse:

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us." - Hebrews 12:1

- God bless -

Thu, Jun 15th - 9:08AM

Live responsibly

This is from my church pastor. Nice sermon, so I will like to share with all of you:

Responsibility

Signs of anti-responsibilty:

1) Rights: "I am right..."

2) Victim: "No, I never do this..."

3) Entitlement: "This is what I am entitled to..."

But Apostle Paul reminded us... "Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise..." (Ephesians 5:15)

Why we need to live reponsibly?

1. God is watching us:

"Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account." - Hebews 4:13

"So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God." - Romans 14:12

2. Others are affected by my life

"Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others." - 1 Corinthians 10:24

3. God rewards it

"For everyone who has will be given more, and he will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him." - Matthew 25:29

How to be responsible?

1. Controlling my emotions

"A fool gives full vent to his anger,
       but a wise man keeps himself under control." - Proverbs 29:11

"But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken." - Matthew 12:36

"Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." - Romans 12:21

2. Guarding my mind

"The discerning heart seeks knowledge,
       but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly." - Proverbs 15:14

3. Admitting my mistakes

"He who conceals his sins does not prosper,
       but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy." - Proverbs 28:13 

"But let no man bring a charge,
       let no man accuse another,
       for your people are like those
       who bring charges against a priest." - Hosea 4:4

"... for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus." - Romans 3:23-24

God bless

Sun, Jun 11th - 3:54AM

Steve Mcpherson leading worship in our church? Wow, praise God

I cannot imagine: Steve Mcpherson from Hillsong Church leading worship in Faith Methodist Church?

Anyway, he led worship in the TTB service (9 am service) with these wonderful songs (not all listed here):

1) One Way

2) Salvation is Here

3) Still

What a different worship experience to worship God with Hillsong's style... Praise Him!

God bless!

Fri, Jun 9th - 7:40AM

Mighty to Save... He is mighty to save (in songs too!)

(This time, I will make this post more personal and not devotional or sermon-like)

Australia Sydney Hillsong Church new album: Mighty to save will be out in the month of July (which I am very eager to buy because of the fantastic mp3 samples and previews from different sources). One of the songs, the main song (or even album) title: Mighty to save (by Reuben Morgan) particularly inspires, as its chorus lyrics says about Jesus' mighty power to save and overcome the grave to be the Salvation of the world.

I have been chasing the hype of this new album and found out this time Hillsong does not follow their usual style (I cannot explain this. Perhaps you have to follow all their album songs to understand what I mean) but are more diverse.

For your information, these are the listing of songs in the album:

http://www.hillsong.com/music/section.php?xSec=254

1. Take It All
2. The Freedom We Know
3. For Who You Are
4. You Alone Are God
5. At The Cross
6. From The Inside Out
7. Found
8. More To See
9. Adonai
10. I Believe
11. Oceans Will Part
12. None But Jesus
13. Higher with I Believe In You
14. Mighty To Save

I have heard that it's like not only Darlene, who is the main worship leader inside Hillsong, but this album is more balanced out with different worship leaders.

From the Inside Out and Take it all, for your info, are featured in their youth service album: United We Stand, that was released earlier this year.

Christian songs have been emerging very strongly in the market nowadays, with Billboard dedicating a special chart for Christian songs and even Christian songs emerging in the Top Charts among secular songs. The call to save souls through knowing Jesus Christ, I guess, is the primary reasons for such phenomenon. I have even non-Christian friends who love to listen to such songs (Pray that the seed has been planted inside them and ready to be "harvested"). Praise the Lord!

Tomorrow, I will be going for this worship workshop on songwriting conducted by Mr Steve Mcpherson from Hillsong Church and Scott Wesley Brown. Songwriting is not only the primary reason I am going to learn worship leading, but I have been inspired by the notion of The New Song. I went to this worship workshop earlier this year conducted by Mr Robert Brenner of Integrity Music and he pictured the idea of the new song to us:

Some (not all) Effects of the new song:

1) The new song awakens creation to worship which ushers in God's righteous judgment

11 Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad;
       let the sea resound, and all that is in it;

 12 let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them.
       Then all the trees of the forest will sing for joy;

 13 they will sing before the LORD, for he comes,
       he comes to judge the earth.
       He will judge the world in righteousness
       and the peoples in his truth.

- Psalm 96:11-13

2) The new song declares God's faithfulness, which reveals His Presence

 3 Sing to him a new song;
       play skillfully, and shout for joy.

 4 For the word of the LORD is right and true;
       he is faithful in all he does.

- Psalm 33:3-4

3) The testimony of the new song causes others to trust in the Lord

 1 I waited patiently for the LORD;
       he turned to me and heard my cry.

 2 He lifted me out of the slimy pit,
       out of the mud and mire;
       he set my feet on a rock
       and gave me a firm place to stand.

 3 He put a new song in my mouth,
       a hymn of praise to our God.
       Many will see and fear
       and put their trust in the LORD.

- Psalm 40:1-3

4) The new song proclaims the Truth of Christ's Redemptive Work and reveals the mystery that we are called as God's kings and priests to reign with Him on the earth

6 Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing in the center of the throne, encircled by the four living creatures and the elders. He had seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth. 7 He came and took the scroll from the right hand of him who sat on the throne. 8 And when he had taken it, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. 9 And they sang a new song:
   "You are worthy to take the scroll
      and to open its seals,
   because you were slain,
      and with your blood you purchased men for God
      from every tribe and language and people and nation.

- Revelation 5:6-9

5) When the new song is sung by the faithful, God is greatly glorified

3 And they sang a new song before the throne and before the four living creatures and the elders. No one could learn the song except the 144,000 who had been redeemed from the earth.

- Revelation 14:3

I remembered someone said this in the comments of one of my posts:

<quote> Still waiting for the revelation of "new song". To me, this is something that has hidden meaning, not just the obvious. There is powerful in singing "this new song". Do any of you see where I am coming from? Perhaps you may have even questioned this before....

Anyone got any info on this? <unquote>

Perhaps this may help to answer your question?

Anyway, I got this feeling that the revelation of the new song is starting to emerge, with all these Christian songs and remakes like:

"Amazing Grace" lyrics inside "Grace like Fire"

Giving us this different worship experience for the Glory of God. Don't you think so?

God bless

Wed, Jun 7th - 9:32AM

Let God drive you...

I read this article from my former officer and wish to share with all of you. Probably as Christians, we may not believe whether this is the reality...

Here it goes...

AUTHORITY IN RELIGION

     When God found that the children of Israel were becoming disobedient to Him, He spoke to them through Moses and warned them that He would bring forth a man like Moses to speak to them.  Whoever disobeyed His word would perish (Deuteronomy 18:15-19).

   This promise to the children of Israel was fulfilled by the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 3:19-26).  He was born to redeem the world.  But He was rejected by the children of Israel among whom He was born and grew up.

   One day during His earthly ministry our Lord took three of His disciples and went up into a high mountain “and He was transfigured before them. His clothes became shining, exceedingly white, like snow, such as no launderer on earth can whiten them. And Elijah appeared to them with Moses, and they were talking with Jesus.  Then Peter answered and said to Jesus, ‘Rabbi, it is good for us to be here; and let us make three tabernacles: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah’--because he did not know what to say, for they were greatly afraid.  And a cloud came and overshadowed them; and a voice came out of the cloud saying, ‘This is my beloved Son. Hear Him!”’  (Mark 9:2-7).

    What was the meaning of all this?  Moses stood for the Law. People should no longer follow the Law of Moses as a system of worshiping God. Sabbath keeping, tithing, animal sacrifice, and instrumental music are no longer required. Elijah stood for the prophets who spoke about the coming on earth of a Saviour from the seed of David. Now that the Saviour has come, men should not go back to the Law and the prophets, but obey the words of Jesus Christ!

  Whatever Christ said was not His own, but words from God the Father.  “And if anyone hears my words and does not believe, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world. He who rejects me, and does not receive my words, has that which judges him--the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day. For I have not spoken on My own authority; but the Father who sent Me gave Me a command, what I should say and what I should speak.  And I know His command is everlasting life.  Therefore, whatever I speak, just as the Father has told Me, so I speak”   (John 12:47-50). 

     Many people do not obey the words of Christ.  Even many religious people have turned away from the words of Christ and substituted their own thoughts.  They do not think that Christ was right when he said:  “I will build my church” (Matthew 16:18).  “My” indicates ownership.  It is completely wrong for a man or a group of people to form their own denomination and worship the Lord there.  Jesus said:  “Every plant which my heavenly Father has not planted will be uprooted. Let them alone. They are blind leaders of the blind.  And if the blind leads the blind, both will fall into a ditch” (Matthew 15:13-14).   The founders of human denominations are blind leaders.   Those who worship therein are blind followers.  This is why Jesus warned:  “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.   Many will say to me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in your name, cast out demons in your name and done many wonders in your name?’  And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you who practice lawlessness!”  (Matthew 7:21-23).

   At the Judgment, Jesus will deny certain ones, not because they did not worship Him, but because they did not do it according to His will. (My input: remember King David who tried to bring in the Ark but failed because he did not do it God's way?) God promised to build a house (Isaiah 2:2-3).  This house is what Christ called “My church.”  Jesus bought this church with His blood, “Therefore take heed to yourselves  and to all the flock,  among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood” (Acts 20:28).  No one has a right to form any other church or call it by any name of his own choosing.

     Let us respect God’s authority!  We must not add to the things which God has commanded!  We must not subtract from any of the things God has commanded (Revelation 22:18, 19).  If we do not respect God’s authority in the Bible, we can not be saved (2 John 9-11).

     Are you saved?  Jesus said, “He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned” (Mark 16:16), Why not believe and be baptized today?

- End of Article -

I am just wondering: what is your comments and take on this revelation? I understand it but I am kind of relunctant to accept some of the ideas (probably it is my imagination or sinful nature, which I need to ask God for forgiveness). Any encouragement and advice here?

God bless

Mon, Jun 5th - 8:14AM

The Omen... The End Times?

06/06/2006 - The horror movie, The Omen, opens, which talks about the Anti-Christ, who will spread universal evil into the world. Although there is no proven evidence that 666 is the date when the end times will come, the Bible does mention that the End Times will come when the Anti-Christ will come to terrorise the world:

"Dear children, this is the last hour; and as you have heard that the antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come. This is how we know it is the last hour." - 1 John 2:18

In fact, it continues with who is the Anti-Christ, even humans and angels can be one of them:

"Who is the liar? It is the man who denies that Jesus is the Christ. Such a man is the antichrist—he denies the Father and the Son." - 1 John 2:22

"but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world." - 1 John 4:3

"Many deceivers, who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh, have gone out into the world. Any such person is the deceiver and the antichrist." - 2 John 1:7

The end times, as Christians will know, are mentioned to be days of darkness and terror, but it symbolise the Second Coming of the Lord Jesus Christ, The Son of Man...

"There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. Men will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken. At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near." - Luke 21:25-28

Even Jesus Christ, in His times on earth, did mention of the Coming of the End Times and the Anti-Christ (the thief as mentioned)...

 3 As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately. "Tell us," they said, "when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?"

 4 Jesus answered: "Watch out that no one deceives you. 5 For many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am the Christ,' and will deceive many. 6 You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. 7 Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are the beginning of birth pains.

 9 "Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. 10 At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, 11 and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. 12 Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, 13 but he who stands firm to the end will be saved. 14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.

42 "Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. 43 But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. 44 So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.

- Matthew 24:3-14, 42-44

So, as Christians, we need to go reach out to the world to save as many of God's people as possible, for the End of the Age is coming, judging from the rising of terrorism, disasters and coldness in the world. Many anti-christs and false teachings have and had emerged in the world, from Da Vinci Code theories to the falling out of Christians. Such is the time when the Evil One terrorises the world and bring many away from the Father.

As Christians, we must stay firm for only those who believe Him to the end will be with Him. The Bible, the Holy Spirit and Jesus Himself are with us to help, encourage and guide us. Praise the Lord for all things, as all trials, lessons and blessings come from Him.

So, will we want the Evil One to persuade more into His army of Evil, or will we want more to join the Heavenly Army and the Lord?

This we pray, for Salvation is already here, in Jesus Christ our Saviour.

God bless