Today is Good Friday where Christians commemorate the death of Jesus Christ on the cross of Calvary about 2000 years ago. Death is certainly a subject the Bible confronts head on. Beginning with the death of Abel in Gen 4:8 (due to fratricide) to the evil plot of Haman to exterminate the Jewish race (Est 3), death has been used by the devil to thwart God's plan of redemption. The Scripture tells us that the devil wields death as a powerful weapon to put fear in the hearts of men and women (Heb 2:14-15). When Jesus was born, Satan used king Herod to issue a command to destroy all male children 2 years and under (Mt 2:16). Failing in this attempt, he used a close disciple of Jesus, Peter, to hinder his path towards Jerusalem to accomplish His mission (Mt 16:23). Finally, when the time was fully come, the devil used Judas Iscariot (another disciple of Jesus) to betray Christ into the hands of religious people (Jn 13:2).
Without the death of Jesus Christ on the cross, there can be no eternal life for mankind. He came for the expressed purpose to bring us the abundant life, while the devil seeks to steal, kill and destroy the good things God has in store for us (Jn 10:10). Alluding to what happens in nature, Jesus said, "Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds." (Jn 12:24 NIV). He is the righteous seed of Abraham that was prophesied at the beginning of time that would possess the gate of his enemies (Gen 22:17). Gate here speaks of Satan's dominion and power to shut people in. He does this through the power of sin, by enticing people to do things against God's righteous commands, leading them to bondage and slavery, and ultimately death (Jas 1:14-15).
At the cross, our sins were laid upon Christ through the nails and stripes that were inflicted upon Him. And by so doing, He cancelled the debt and death charges held against us (Col 2:13-15). Christ's death brought Him down to Hades, overpowering the enemy camp and setting the captives free, bringing them into heaven and at the same time bestowing spiritual gifts to His church (Eph 4:8-10; 1Pet 3:18-19). Eternal life is therefore seen as life in the presence of God where there's joy, wholeness and liberty. As you can see, without the death of Christ there can be no impartation of life to us. And without the death of our physical body, we can never fully experience the eternal life that those who believe in Jesus Christ were to receive. Our human body was not made to last for eternity due to sin and corruption. This was a point I made home to a pre-believer in hospital today, warded for all kinds of complications in the body. I offered Him the hope of eternal life through Jesus, and he said he would consider it as yet he's still half-hearted.
The wonderful words of Jesus to Martha ring out loud and clear at funeral wakes, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” (Jn 11:25-26 NIV). All of us will have to die physically one day, if Christ tarries in coming. But the glorious hope held out in the gospel is the resurrection (thank God for Easter Sunday) of our corruptible body with an incorruptible one; whereby the last enemy to be destroyed would be death (1 Cor 15:26,51-54). When that day arrives, death would no longer be a subject discussed as it would no longer exists. But for now, it remains a taboo for some and to be avoided, for fear of offending people. For us Christians, we cannot but speak of the wonderous working power that was wrought through the cross where our Saviour died for lost humanity.
Friday, April 22, 2011
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
General Elections
Singapore goes to the polls on 7 May 2011. Those who are eligible to vote would be able to exercise their right to vote for a Member of Parliament (for a SMC) or a collective group of MPs (for a GRC) to represent them. However, before we cast our vote, it would be good to know the manifestos and view points of each political party. Now with campaigning allowed on social media platforms, this would enable younger voters to have access to information and evaluate the candidates, apart from the usual physical campaigning platforms. Nothing like meeting the candidates up close and personal, which many are currently doing through their walkabouts.
I guess the first level of evaluation would be the qualifications and job experiences the candidate brings with him/her. The second would be the rapport and connection he/she has with the constituents and the political party. The third would be the genuineness and sincerity in serving the community with the support of grassroots helpers to address issues of concern. Beyond that would be the cut and thrust of debating issues that are important to the populace. For many of us, bread and butter issues would be of primary concern. As in Maslow's hierarchy of needs, if the physiological needs are not met, it would be nigh impossible to look at the needs above.
Once a government is put in place, the Bible exhorts us to be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established (Rom 13:1). Where corrupt or evil authorities are concerned, Peter wrote, "Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people." (1 Pet 2:13-15) The Christians living in Peter's days were being persecuted for their faith by the emperor Nero, blaming them for the fire of Rome. Despite that, Peter urged the believers to submit to authorities and show forth the character of God through their lifestyles.
Well is a revolt possible if the government is oppressive and unjust, just like what is happening in the Middle East? Technically, it's possible as the heart of man is deceitful above all else. Though we may have a common faith in Christ, our understanding and practice of our faith may differ. Whatever one's religious persuasion, there's always the danger of people taking things into their own hands. Though God does call Israel to war in the Old Testament times, however, we are now living under the dispensation of grace, where love for our enemies should abound. Whatever it is, we can pray to God to dispose of evil rulers and authorities (Dan 2:21).
Let's pray that Singapore will elect a government is righteous and honest, built upon the foundation of justice.
I guess the first level of evaluation would be the qualifications and job experiences the candidate brings with him/her. The second would be the rapport and connection he/she has with the constituents and the political party. The third would be the genuineness and sincerity in serving the community with the support of grassroots helpers to address issues of concern. Beyond that would be the cut and thrust of debating issues that are important to the populace. For many of us, bread and butter issues would be of primary concern. As in Maslow's hierarchy of needs, if the physiological needs are not met, it would be nigh impossible to look at the needs above.
Once a government is put in place, the Bible exhorts us to be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established (Rom 13:1). Where corrupt or evil authorities are concerned, Peter wrote, "Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people." (1 Pet 2:13-15) The Christians living in Peter's days were being persecuted for their faith by the emperor Nero, blaming them for the fire of Rome. Despite that, Peter urged the believers to submit to authorities and show forth the character of God through their lifestyles.
Well is a revolt possible if the government is oppressive and unjust, just like what is happening in the Middle East? Technically, it's possible as the heart of man is deceitful above all else. Though we may have a common faith in Christ, our understanding and practice of our faith may differ. Whatever one's religious persuasion, there's always the danger of people taking things into their own hands. Though God does call Israel to war in the Old Testament times, however, we are now living under the dispensation of grace, where love for our enemies should abound. Whatever it is, we can pray to God to dispose of evil rulers and authorities (Dan 2:21).
Let's pray that Singapore will elect a government is righteous and honest, built upon the foundation of justice.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Receiving prophetic words
We had a guest speaker at our church two Sundays ago. He is Pastor Alex Larsen, a prophet and senior leader from Mt Zion Assembly of God in Auckland, New Zealand. He released a prophetic word to the church, telling us to arise by taking up the fullness of our anointing and authority because we are the appointed generation for this to happen. We are to put on the fullness of all that God has provided, leaving nothing undone. We are to place no boundaries or limitations on what can be done for our own words will become a hindrance. This was the gist of what was prophesied; the full text appeared in last Sunday's bulletin. He followed up with a message based on Jn 14:9-14, whereby Jesus said we shall do greater (in terms of rank or level) works because He goes to the Father.
As in any prophetic word, we have to weigh it; judging it by the lens of God's Word. No genuine word given should contradict the logos (written Word of God). The speaker mentioned that he received the word at 5am on that very same day he was to speak at our church. He wrote down what the Lord impressed upon him. When our senior pastor shared about God wanting all of us to arise to do His work during exhortation time, the speaker mentioned that he was taken aback because the word he recieved confirms what our pastor has spoken. When he took over the pulpit, he read the message he had written down earlier. Only when the word takes root in our hearts, does it become rhema (a word spoken for a specific situation).
The word released is an encouragement for us to take God at His Word, that is, to move by faith and not by sight. When we begin to confess God's positive words over peoples' lives, we must expect Him to answer in ways beyond our imagination. However, if we limit God by our own human thinking or start to confess negatively, we hinder God's Spirit from working effectively through us. So the exhortation is for every member to exercise faith by doing the works of God, whether it is sharing the gospel, praying for others or serving God/people through the various ministries of the church. When each member of the body functions according to the anointing of God in our appointed area of work, and when we worship and serve God with a whole heart, it would cause the church to grow. And this would indeed fulfill the words given by another two prophets this year: "There is momentum for multiplication in our church."
Pastor Larsen also prophesied to individuals and couples during and after the Sunday service. Many of the words spoken were in the form of exhortation, to lift up the spirits of men and women. I too received a word from him but not on Sunday but just yesterday, at a special meeting where he spoke. It has been a long time since I received prophetic words. Looking back at the prophetic words spoken over my life, I could see that it ranges widely in terms of issues prophesied:
1992: Dr Lay prophesied, "The Lord has need of you."
1993: Rev Jacob Kurien prophesied, " ... the Lord called you to be a leader though you did not ask for it ..."
1993: Sis Rebecca Wolf prophesied, " ... the Lord is doing a work in your family ..."
1995: Rev Allen Wilson prophesied, "...We thank you for strengthening him Lord. The Spirit of the Lord to come on him Father. We thank you Lord that he will bless young people ... reach out to them ..."
2000: Rev Daniel Matei prophesied, "... I see you with a Bible and teaching, teaching, teaching, teaching people ... The word that the Lord will give to you will be a revelation that you will receive ..."
2002: DGS Dhinakaran prophesied, "You have always been willing my son to work very hard for me. Very humble. I like it and I love you. Be humble. ..."
2011: Pas Alex Larsen, "You have been faithful in the little things ... "
There was another prophetic word received concerning prayer which I couldn't recall by whom; it was given at a special church meeting sometime between 2002 and 2007. The gist of it was that my prayer style is not the loud and boisterous one but one that is quiet and has effective power. I can say that many of the words spoken have come to pass and it is good to hear God's commendation that one is faithful and humble (the latter was spoken by two different prophets). Isn't that what really counts in life? God wants to see the fruit (of the Holy Spirit) demonstrated in our lives. Jesus said that we can judge people by the fruits they produce not so much of the works they do (Mt 7:20,22-23). May we all who name the Name of the Lord be reflectors of His love in this world. For we could be the only Jesus some will ever see (according to the words of a song). And do cling on to the true prophetic words you have received; wrestle in prayer over them and allow God to mould your character as He brings about its fulfillment.
Shalom
As in any prophetic word, we have to weigh it; judging it by the lens of God's Word. No genuine word given should contradict the logos (written Word of God). The speaker mentioned that he received the word at 5am on that very same day he was to speak at our church. He wrote down what the Lord impressed upon him. When our senior pastor shared about God wanting all of us to arise to do His work during exhortation time, the speaker mentioned that he was taken aback because the word he recieved confirms what our pastor has spoken. When he took over the pulpit, he read the message he had written down earlier. Only when the word takes root in our hearts, does it become rhema (a word spoken for a specific situation).
The word released is an encouragement for us to take God at His Word, that is, to move by faith and not by sight. When we begin to confess God's positive words over peoples' lives, we must expect Him to answer in ways beyond our imagination. However, if we limit God by our own human thinking or start to confess negatively, we hinder God's Spirit from working effectively through us. So the exhortation is for every member to exercise faith by doing the works of God, whether it is sharing the gospel, praying for others or serving God/people through the various ministries of the church. When each member of the body functions according to the anointing of God in our appointed area of work, and when we worship and serve God with a whole heart, it would cause the church to grow. And this would indeed fulfill the words given by another two prophets this year: "There is momentum for multiplication in our church."
Pastor Larsen also prophesied to individuals and couples during and after the Sunday service. Many of the words spoken were in the form of exhortation, to lift up the spirits of men and women. I too received a word from him but not on Sunday but just yesterday, at a special meeting where he spoke. It has been a long time since I received prophetic words. Looking back at the prophetic words spoken over my life, I could see that it ranges widely in terms of issues prophesied:
1992: Dr Lay prophesied, "The Lord has need of you."
1993: Rev Jacob Kurien prophesied, " ... the Lord called you to be a leader though you did not ask for it ..."
1993: Sis Rebecca Wolf prophesied, " ... the Lord is doing a work in your family ..."
1995: Rev Allen Wilson prophesied, "...We thank you for strengthening him Lord. The Spirit of the Lord to come on him Father. We thank you Lord that he will bless young people ... reach out to them ..."
2000: Rev Daniel Matei prophesied, "... I see you with a Bible and teaching, teaching, teaching, teaching people ... The word that the Lord will give to you will be a revelation that you will receive ..."
2002: DGS Dhinakaran prophesied, "You have always been willing my son to work very hard for me. Very humble. I like it and I love you. Be humble. ..."
2011: Pas Alex Larsen, "You have been faithful in the little things ... "
There was another prophetic word received concerning prayer which I couldn't recall by whom; it was given at a special church meeting sometime between 2002 and 2007. The gist of it was that my prayer style is not the loud and boisterous one but one that is quiet and has effective power. I can say that many of the words spoken have come to pass and it is good to hear God's commendation that one is faithful and humble (the latter was spoken by two different prophets). Isn't that what really counts in life? God wants to see the fruit (of the Holy Spirit) demonstrated in our lives. Jesus said that we can judge people by the fruits they produce not so much of the works they do (Mt 7:20,22-23). May we all who name the Name of the Lord be reflectors of His love in this world. For we could be the only Jesus some will ever see (according to the words of a song). And do cling on to the true prophetic words you have received; wrestle in prayer over them and allow God to mould your character as He brings about its fulfillment.
Shalom
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Life's Challenges
We all face challenges in life be it related to health, finance or addiction. Let's take each in turn:
Health
I spoke to a sister recently who has been suffering from Crohn's disease, which is an inflammatory illness affecting the intestines. She mentioned that there is no cure for it and she has been taking medication to control the disease. Another sister had an operation to remove a malignant tumor in her intestine early this month. She was hoping and praying that she does not need to go for chemotherapy. For both sisters, I prayed for God's healing virtues to flow into their respective bodies, despite what the doctors may say regarding their condition. When we are beset with ill health, it would certainly affect all other areas of our lives including the people we rub shoulders with on a regular basis. This is where relationships with loved ones and close friends can cause friction, which is another of life's challenge.
I have also spoke and prayed for at least two elderly sisters in church who suffered injuries to their bodies when they fell. One affected her head and cause an area around the eye to be blue-black and another injured her leg. We are living in a time when the population of those living above 60s are increasing in numbers due to longer life expectancy. That's probably one reason why the government is building more hospitals to cater for a greying population where geriatric medicine will play a great importance. I can only counsel the two sisters to be careful with their movement, especially when they are no longer nimble and flexible. The young are also not exempted from injuries especially those involved in sports. A student just this week fell from a bike and injured himself, with lapses in memory. Others can be seen with bandages wrapped around different parts of their body.
Finance
A brother is having difficulty paying his bills due to no work and no business coming in. He struggles to make ends meet each month even though he has strong faith in God. He tries to look on the bright side of things and counts his blessings every time there's an inflow of cash. Inevitably, it has taken a toll on his family relationship. I've prayed and counseled him frequently, trying to address the root cause of the problem. On the other side of the spectrum, I have been told that there are Christians in the market place who, because of filthy lucre, cheat and swindle others. If this behaviour is true, it does not reflect well on the Christian community. Thank God that He will bring to light all those things that are hidden, if not now, on judgment day (Heb 4:13).
Addiction
This often happens subtly without one even knowing it. It could start off with an innocent sip (of spirit or liquor) or puff (of cigarette or drug). The temptation to get rich quick has gotten many people into trouble with all kinds of gambling. Those without self-control will find themselves enslaved to it, incurring debts they're unable to clear. Sexual addiction can range from pornography (which is so easily available nowadays) to committing crimes against humanity (molestation, rape, incest, child predator, etc.). Fornicators, adulterers and homosexuals are given the judgment that they would not inherit God's kingdom (1 Cor 6:9). These are people whose lifestyle are controlled by the spirits of lust and find it hard to extricate from it. But the good news is that some of the Corinthians were such and they had been able to break the power of those addiction through the power of Christ and the Holy Spirit (1 Cor 6:11). So not all hope is lost when we're under a certain form of addiction. With God's help and a willingness to change, we are able to be set free.
Again, as with the other two challenges discussed earlier, relationships are bound to be affected where addictions are concerned. The worst case scenario could range from divorce to deaths in the family. If we do not want our relationships to be adversely affected, we ought to take steps now to change by seeking help and godly counsel. I like the prayer of the apostle John, "Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers" (3 Jn 2). As our relationship with God prospers, we would experience a corresponding prosperity in all aspects with good health thrown in.
Health
I spoke to a sister recently who has been suffering from Crohn's disease, which is an inflammatory illness affecting the intestines. She mentioned that there is no cure for it and she has been taking medication to control the disease. Another sister had an operation to remove a malignant tumor in her intestine early this month. She was hoping and praying that she does not need to go for chemotherapy. For both sisters, I prayed for God's healing virtues to flow into their respective bodies, despite what the doctors may say regarding their condition. When we are beset with ill health, it would certainly affect all other areas of our lives including the people we rub shoulders with on a regular basis. This is where relationships with loved ones and close friends can cause friction, which is another of life's challenge.
I have also spoke and prayed for at least two elderly sisters in church who suffered injuries to their bodies when they fell. One affected her head and cause an area around the eye to be blue-black and another injured her leg. We are living in a time when the population of those living above 60s are increasing in numbers due to longer life expectancy. That's probably one reason why the government is building more hospitals to cater for a greying population where geriatric medicine will play a great importance. I can only counsel the two sisters to be careful with their movement, especially when they are no longer nimble and flexible. The young are also not exempted from injuries especially those involved in sports. A student just this week fell from a bike and injured himself, with lapses in memory. Others can be seen with bandages wrapped around different parts of their body.
Finance
A brother is having difficulty paying his bills due to no work and no business coming in. He struggles to make ends meet each month even though he has strong faith in God. He tries to look on the bright side of things and counts his blessings every time there's an inflow of cash. Inevitably, it has taken a toll on his family relationship. I've prayed and counseled him frequently, trying to address the root cause of the problem. On the other side of the spectrum, I have been told that there are Christians in the market place who, because of filthy lucre, cheat and swindle others. If this behaviour is true, it does not reflect well on the Christian community. Thank God that He will bring to light all those things that are hidden, if not now, on judgment day (Heb 4:13).
Addiction
This often happens subtly without one even knowing it. It could start off with an innocent sip (of spirit or liquor) or puff (of cigarette or drug). The temptation to get rich quick has gotten many people into trouble with all kinds of gambling. Those without self-control will find themselves enslaved to it, incurring debts they're unable to clear. Sexual addiction can range from pornography (which is so easily available nowadays) to committing crimes against humanity (molestation, rape, incest, child predator, etc.). Fornicators, adulterers and homosexuals are given the judgment that they would not inherit God's kingdom (1 Cor 6:9). These are people whose lifestyle are controlled by the spirits of lust and find it hard to extricate from it. But the good news is that some of the Corinthians were such and they had been able to break the power of those addiction through the power of Christ and the Holy Spirit (1 Cor 6:11). So not all hope is lost when we're under a certain form of addiction. With God's help and a willingness to change, we are able to be set free.
Again, as with the other two challenges discussed earlier, relationships are bound to be affected where addictions are concerned. The worst case scenario could range from divorce to deaths in the family. If we do not want our relationships to be adversely affected, we ought to take steps now to change by seeking help and godly counsel. I like the prayer of the apostle John, "Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers" (3 Jn 2). As our relationship with God prospers, we would experience a corresponding prosperity in all aspects with good health thrown in.
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