A light and messengers of Christ to the world .

Image by Getty Images via Daylife

Jesus did not reach out to the people with words but with deeds. It only through our deeds, we know that we have faith in Christ.

Through our deeds, then we are a light to the world and messengers of Christ. Good deeds comes as a result of a total conversion in the heart....to one that is always of love, charity and compassion.

Yes, salvation is by faith but faith that has deeds for “if good deeds do not go with it (faith), it is quite dead”.

Does our Church preach to us about God's love, charity and compassion? I know almost all Churches claimed to do so but does you Church practice what she preaches?

Does your Church do her part in reaching out to the poor and needy by caring for them in terms of providing education, providing shelter (nursing homes, homes) and medical care such as hospitals and hospice?

Because "In truth I tell you, in so far as you did this to one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did it to me." (MT25:40)

Does your Church lead by example to love God and your neighbour which is the commandments of Jesus ?

Are you living your life as a light and messenger of Christ to the world ?

Are you following Jesus's instructions to go out and spread God’s love by caring and loving people around you as as God loved you ?

God Bless.

Anglican Church and AWARE

Image via Wikipedia

On Thursday, Dr John Chew, president of the National Council of Churches of Singapore or NCCS (the umbrella Christian group), issued a statement to selected media calling for churches to "all step back and give AWARE space to settle its own matters".

The NCCS’s statement said among other things, that it did not condone the use of the pulpit to get involved in the controversy.

Senior pastor of the Church Of Our Saviour Derek Hong has issued a public apology for using the pulpit to give backing to the Association of Women for Action and Research's (AWARE) executive committee in their dispute with the group's previous leadership. Incidentally, Dr John Chew is also the archbishop of the Anglican church and pastor Hong’s Church Of Our Saviour is in Dr John’s diocese.

You can read about it at "Pastor apologises for misusing pulpit".

A little information and latest update on AWARE.

Ms Josie Lau and her exco have stepped down from Association of Women for Action and Research or AWARE in short. Ms Lau and some other exco came into power at AWRE in a hostile manner less than 2 months ago.

6 members of the exco are later revealed to be from an Anglican Church Of Our Saviour. This also spark concerns from some as AWARE is a secular NGO and religion should not be allowed to encroach it.

These are some of the concerns that people at the recent AGM said :

1. One Malay Muslim woman said she was not comfortable with an-all Christian and all-Chinese group representing a secular group like AWARE. And members of the Christian faith stood up and said the action of the new Exco set back constructive dialogue between Christians and secularists in Singapore.
2. "We are here because we were deeply troubled by how this executive committee came to power. We are here because we are deeply troubled by the usurpation of civic space, and the lack of respect for the values of pluralism, democracy that this new executive committee has demonstrated," said one member of the audience.
3. "AWARE is about inclusiveness, AWARE in helping women, helps everybody, male and female. And whatever their sexual orientation can be, it does not matter, because they are first and foremost a person. A human being and that's what AWARE is about," said another.

Although former AWARE president Lau said that : “Race, religion were never an issue. We welcome women of all races, culture, religion and come and serve on the subcommittee," clearly, the crowd was not won over.

Another sticking point that was revealed was the fact that under Ms Lau, AWARE spend $90,000 in the last month since they took power some two months ago while under the constitution, the exco is not allowed to spend more than S$20,000 and if they do, they must consult members.

Epiphany Of The Lord

Image via WikipediaThis week, we celebrate the Epiphany Of The Lord and the readings are as follows:
[Isaiah 60: 1-6] [Ephesians 3: 2-3, 5-6] [Matthew 2: 1-12]

What is the Epiphany Of The Lord?

Originally it was the Christmas feast of the Eastern part of the Christian Church. In the Western part the stress of Christmas was and is on the birth of Christ as the little human child.

In the Eastern part the stress is more on Jesus coming as the Lord and Saviour of all. This is the reality the liturgy stresses today: Jesus came to save and bring life to all. No one is excluded, no one is a stranger to him. May all come to know Jesus, alive here among us.

In the readings today, we see how the Magi (probably from Persia) followed the stars and found baby Jesus whom they came to pay their homage. There is a very important significance in this as the Magi are gentiles. This really means that God’s salvation plan is for all and no one is excluded which remind me of Jn 3:16 which so many of my protestants friends loved to quote. God indeed send His only Son to save the world and not only Christians.

God has given us Jesus Christ as the Gift who brings light to our dark world Jesus is born for us – He brings the joy, peace and hope to the world that needs them so badly.

How about us? Are we a light to our family members, relatives and friends?

By being a loving, gentle and kind person to our family members, relatives and friends we too can bring joy, peace and hope to them.

Another aspect to note is that in celebration of the Eucharist that we remember that Jesus offered the Gift of Himself to God. He is offered for our salvation. Thus by following the teachings of Jesus, we can also offer ourselves as near perfect gifts to God our Father.

A Deeper Look At New Creation Church Joseph Prince’s Destined to Reign

Book cover via AmazonI come across an interesting review about the book written by Joseph Prince - Destined to Reign.

You can read all about the review at HERE.

Why do I even bother to blog about this?

I am disturbed by that fact that I have come across quite a few people who seems to believe that they can understand the bible by reading them on their own. And from there, they have their own version of the gospel and start to question that other main stream Churches teachings.

Well it is good to question and search for the truth, it is disturbing to see how they have a twisted version simply by reading the books of similiar believers. Thus, a whole new set of wrong beliefs are believed as the "truth" by these people.

Mega church pastors are some of such people in my opinion. I always question where do they receive their training?

Can a self proclaimed vision give one the authority to preach? More importantly, are the preaching defensible by the bible?

I am sure many who have experience and contact with such church goers will know the answer.

Let's pray that these people continue to explore and not be taken in by sugar-coated grace ministry that is leading one away from God.

Is mega churches related to size?

Image via WikipediaI am just wondering why some non-denominations charismatic church called themselves mega churches? They usually bragged about their 15,000 - 25,000 attendance as a sign that God is with them and given them so much success....

Is that so?

Then how about the Catholic Church in Singapore? We have about 340,000 parishioners and what will that make us - Super Mega Church?

I am sure many if the other main stream Churches have more parishioners than any mega church.

Can someone explain to me?

Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome

Image via WikipediaThis week, is a dedication of the lateran Basilica in Rome and readings are as follows:
[Ezekiel 47:1-2,8-9,12] [1 Corinthians 3:9-11, 16-17] [John 2:13-22]

This week's reading saw Jesus telling the people to "stop using my Father's house as a market" and chasing them out of the temple....Indeed, the temple is for doing the business of the Father and not an avenue for making money.

Jesus stood up against the people who are trying to destroy the temple and we too must stand up when faced with the same.

Personally, it is sad to see how some pastors (who don't even have proper training) sugar coat their preaching and using the Church to make money. They are making use of people's trust in God and one day, they too will be chased out by Jesus.

Let us continue to preach the true Gospel and overcome any obstacles to help lead our brothers’ and sisters’ towards our beloved Jesus.

Keep an open mind....for God has spoken

Image by JL Outdoor Photography via FlickrI read ST Your Letter of 19.10.08 by Ms Christie Loh "Keep an open mind even if you live by thous-shalt-nots".

I applaud Ms Loh for her diligence in attending New Creation Church service to find our for herself if the negative views are true. This was because of her love for her son who was keen to join as a member.

I agree with Ms Loh that "What mattered to us was which doctrines were being taught and who was glorified".

I do not know any Christian Churches here that do not glorify God - perhaps Ms Loh can point that out. Even cults (that is banned in Singapore) glorify God in their teachings and preaching!

As for doctrines taught by mega churches, these are issues which people are concerned about (and if we can remember letter to ST by Dr Lee Bee Wah about a year ago). It dose not mean that a doctrine is Biblical simply because it was quoted from the Bible - there are many instances of wrong quotations.

I just read recently someone who quoted the story when Jesus asked Simon to cast the net into the water and haul up a rich harvest (LK5:1-8). This was used as "proof" that Jesus do agree with "prosperity gospel" that is being preached. Or what they call grace. What about when Jesus said in LK5:10 "Do not be afraid; from now on it is people you will be catching."?

Isn't it clear that Jesus is telling Simon (Peter) that He wants Simon to be His disciple to spread the Gospel and "catching people" instead of fishes (as a fisherman)? And isn't this clear that this miracle was to show Simon that Jesus is "special" (which is why Jesus said "Don't be afraid") since this was the begining of Jesus ministry and nobody knew about Him yet?

Such wrong use of Bible quotations is common (from what I have read as well as interaction with friends who goes to mega churches) which leads to another imporant issue to consider:

Is the pastor properly trained and where? From my queries so far, I found no answer. It was not on NCC website, nobody from any forum or discussion have pick this up and provide any answers.

Even Joseph Prince acknowledged that he is aware of the concerns (about his teachings) but he believed that when one believed right, one will live right. Since there are so many concerns, I believed that clearly something is not very right........

There must be reasons why so many people (both Christians and non-Christians alike) are against their teachings. Is the teachings correct as in accordance with the Bible?

You have done well to start researching by attending the service yourself but it would be even more important to research the doctrines and teachings preached by Joseph Prince. Perhaps, a discussion with your current Church pastor / priest may help.

Ultimately, it is up to each individual to discern what is right and what is wrong. Sometimes, it is easier to hear what we want but it certainly pay to listen to the truth no matter how much harder that may be. The truth is in the Bible that has been preached for over 2000 years! And God's Word is the only truth and will never change.

It is easy to get soaked into the moment in the atmosphere created by mega churches and one has to "fight" and stay alert.

With the current financial crisis, God has spoken again and telling us that all riches here is temporary and not the most important because it can disappear in a flash. Seeking God and the truth is the most important.

Advertisement from God - Job Vacancies....

Image via WikipediaThis is the 29th Sunday in Ordinary time and this week’s reading is as follows:
Isaiah 2:1-5 Ephesians 3:2-12 Mark 16: 15-20

This Sunday is designated as Mission Sunday. So how does Mission Sunday relates to lay Catholics like us?

All of us embraced God out of our own free will by attending RCIA and by virtue of accepting our baptism. As Catholics, we are servants and apostles of God's only Son - Jesus.

However, many do not think much about what it means to be servants and apostles. There is a duty of evangelizing by everybody as there are many people waiting for the proclamation of the Gospel and are thirsting for hope and love.

These people may be our colleagues, our neighbours; maybe even people in our own home. There is never a "better time" to share the Gospel and to bring to someone Christ’s saving message then NOW.

So brothers and sisters, start proclaiming the message of faith, hope and love to people around us so that less people will fall into the trap of "prosperity gospel" especially our young.

So, God has a job vacancy for us and the requirement is simple:- Have genuine love for Him and tell others about him.

There will be no monetary gains and working hours are long BUT His retirement benefits are great.

Would you be interested to apply?

Does God return you hundred folds?

Image via WikipediaThis is what "Buddhist-Lover" said in the comments on Blogpastor (you can find the link to this blog on the right hand navigation of this blog) which I reproduced here as it is interesting:

"One guest preacher was preaching a sermon to encourage people to give in faith to his ministry. After teaching from the bible verse about one reaping what one sows, the guest preacher gave his personal testimony. He told the congregation about how when he was so financially broke during the financial crisis in the 970s that he was without a home and left only with about $20 in his pocket.

He walked into a church service, and deep in his heart he prayed to God for help. When the offering bag was passed around, he put in all the money he had. On his way out, someone befriend him, learned of his problems and offered him shelter and also gave him a job.

That became the beginning of a series of good fortune that within one year, he became financially stable and in another 3 years, he actually became rich!

After sharing his testimony, he urged the congregation to give to his ministry so that God’s unlimited blessing of wealth can be released onto them. He said because he has given his last $20, God has turned him into a multi-millionaire. Then at that point, a soft voice of an old woman could be heard among the congregation: “I dare you do it again now!”

Do you think it is much more difficult for this guy to give away all his wealth now (millions of dollars in nett assets) than when he was without a home and was down to his last $20?"

Personally, I do not believe that God's grace is tied to us giving money to the Church. How about time and service that we give?

How about the poor and destitute? Does that means that God has abandon them?

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• New Creation Church or New Creation Inc ?
• Proof of God's Grace and Miracle....

New Creation Church or New Creation Inc ?

Image via WikipediaI read recently 2 interesting postings from Blogpastor (you can check them out here).The 2 articles have generated some discussions and these are some of my observations.

The pro NCC guys are saying that God point them to One-North and everything is results of God’s grace.

The not pro NCC camp is questioning why a church is getting into business, investment etc.. and are these in line with God’s teaching?

So, depending on which camp you are in, the opinions can be quite different. From the various comments by both sides, there are a few pointers that may be worth thinking…..

Why is the stewardship of the church being questioned in the first place? Perhaps it is because of the large spending of $500 million which also leads to questions of the leadership of the church.

One of the comments questions the background of Joseph Prince whose supporters have provided some insights. Prince is really not his real name but he has to changed “to protect his family who are still Hindu and his father being a ex Hindu priest”. However, why is there such a need? Is there anything wrong being a Hindu or Christian?

Do we all converts to Christians have to change our name “to protect our family” who has yet to do so? What’s the danger? Can someone shed some light? Hope to see the logic of this someday…

What I think is more important is where did Prince get his training from? Is he a trained pastor or self proclaimed one? I don’t seems to find this information from the website. Or is the training of the pastor not important? Are we then sure that his teachings are correct?

Speaking about teaching, my personal contacts with NCC members seems to suggest that tithes are related to blessings. The more one tithe, the more blessings one will received and that one tenth is holy and tithe is a commandment of God but is it really so?

Tithing is not enforceable on all Christians and the entire argument and proof can be found here.

So if tithing is not enforceable, should the church make it clear to the congregation that they do not need to tithe but give freely? Or if they disagree, can they defend the enforcing of tithes?

Personally, I hope that the impression that blessings are related to tithes is not the accurate one though it seems to have been preached as such. Most of my friends going to NCC seems more interested in gaining prosperity and giving to church seems like a “sure win” TOTO for them. God’s blessings are really not for sale and it is Free and Free to all (both Christians and non-Christians). Not tithing seems to weigh heavily on their minds.

But if tithing is not enforceable on all Christians and yet it is one of the main income of the church, is it still morally right?

NCC members also argue that it was God who point them to One-North. But is it? And are they really spending the money to build a church? Or is it a front to building a business enterprise?

According to the Strait Times forum page of 27 Sept 08, I quote “ Rock Production has provided a legal undertaking to JTC that the venue will be managed strictly on a commercial basis and will not be converted into a religious facility.”

So is this a Church building fund or a business investment fund? I think the answer is clear.

I think the undertaking says it all and that is the reason that they are raising eyebrows. As Blogpastor has given the example, NCC could have build “a few” churches with that kind of investment. Sure, the ROI of building a real church building may be little and slow as it will depend solely on the appreciation of the land, building as well as the usable commercial space (if any).

But with such facilities, the congregation benefits with a place to worship that they can call their own, they have access anytime throughout the week, cell group have a place to meet and share, lesson and talks can be held, wedding and funerals wake can be conducted and some churches even have columbarium!

Perhaps, more answers on such decision will come to light if NCC reveal how the salary of the pastor are based upon and their current takings. Is it depended on the amount of taking of the church?

Hope this is not a case of LK 8:14 “As for the part that fell into thorns, this is people who have heard, but as they go on their way they are choked by the worries and riches and pleasures of life and never produce any crops.”

And for all temptations, remember Jesus too was tempted by devil in Mt4:1-11 :
8 Next, taking him to a very high mountain, the devil showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendour. 9 And he said to him, 'I will give you all these, if you fall at my feet and do me homage.' 10 Then Jesus replied, 'Away with you, Satan! For scripture says: The Lord your God is the one to whom you must do homage, him alone you must serve.'

Hope some light will be shed soon.

Comments from an anti-Christ

Image via WikipediaThese are some of the things that testingblog is saying (you can read them in the comments of the previous post).

“Well-respected. I fully agree. By the Satanists of this world that is the Atheists, Agnostics, Muslims, and Buddhists.” - such statements can only come from an anti-christ. Since when did Jesus said that?

All things good come from God and most (if not all) main stream religions teaches about love.

Only satan and evil teaches division, hatred and killing like what testingblog is displaying here. One may call oneself a Christian and goes to church etc but has never really understand what it means to be one. As Paul said (rightly pointed out by JC) that it is all about faith, hope and love and nothing is greater than love.

Testingblog, what are the 2 Commandments that Jesus taught you? Are you displaying any? If so, how?

And be reminded that not all who call Jesus “Lord…Lord” will enter into heaven. Are you one of them?

You brought up a good point. Just wondering why everybody else respect Catholics except fellow Christians? Doesn’t it sound like how the Jews is treating Jesus and his disciple compared to the non-Jews during His time? By the way, I have many non-Catholics friends and I know you represent only a minority (like the Jews in Jesus time).

“Look here, if you really think that your church has the true Word of God”

I don’t think so - rather I know it as a fact which is defensible by the Bible. How about yours? Can you defend your actions of cursing, swearing and using vulgar words with the Bible? When did Jesus teaches all the things you said and do?

“come and challenge us. Go to any forums, any blogs and point to us that we are wrong and hold events to counter us.”

Already did just that at the forum you came from (although I never see your name appearing).

The problem I do not want to waste my time there any longer is simply because there are too many people like you. They are there not to discuss and discern but to attack others with whatever hearsay. Truth and facts have no meanings to them.

When they cannot even make sense of their salvation theory, even the better and more respected participant resorted to diverting attention and attacking Catholics with “wrong notion and perceptions” and with issues that has no relationship with the discussions. That’s pathetic and convinced me not to waste my time.

On the same token, why not come and share with us what you think is correct and defend it?

“I read your argument for salvation and I'm turned furious by how YOU twisted our dear Christ's words to your own sick advantage. You have taken James' verses out of context"

How have I twisted anything? You did not even say. How did I take James verses out of context? You did not say. Do you mind answering that simple question which requires only a Yes or No answer as asked by James?

“If an old man on his deathbed regretted his past sins and receives Christ as his saviour, by YOUR interpretation of your goddamn faulty scripture he would be heading to hell.”

Since when did we said that? Go and read the story of the good thief that you fellow “brother” misquoted and misused. Your wrong understanding does not make our salvation theory wrong. It certainly did not make your correct.

“your group who are equal to that of pseudo-Christian cults.“

How irresponsible of you to say that Catholics are cults. If so, they would not survive 2000+ years and still thriving. Dispute all you want but the history of Catholic Churches traces us back to the early Churches which Jesus has build with Peter as the rock. How dare you even call Jesus’s Church a cult and without any valid factual reasons?

“Unless you Catholics do something to stem the flow of apathy that I see so many of your members are afflicted with, we will call for arms and take action against your kind. We even have no qualms about executing homosexuals for sinning.”

What apathy are you talking about? Go ahead, load your guns and take actions. Catholics have no fear of you because we have God on our side. Everything you said here is anti-Christ and against teachings of Jesus and the Bible.

You are a classic example of extremist as a result of wrong teachings. That’s dangerous and you are showing every bit of it. You have the real potential of the making of a cult and terrorist.

Though I said your name did not appear in the forum, I believed that you are using another name and was on my ignore list. If you persist to use foul language and continue to display your anti-Christ antics here, I will moderate the comments and ban you forever.

For you have already shown us enough of what anti-Christ is and what wrong teachings can lead one to – you are even now displaying signs of being an extremist / cultist / terrorist.

For sure, you need plenty of prayers because you are heading the wrong way. God Bless You!

Proof of God's Grace and Miracle....

Just to share with you guys that God's grace and miracle do happen. This may not be the latest news but there are many who are not aware.

In March, we have the first Christian Church opened in Qatar!

Who would have imagined that with current tension between Muslim and the Western countries, a Christian Church is allowed in Qatar?

Sorry guys (non-Catholics), it has to be a Catholic Church!

Well, it is only possible with God's grace and God's will. Of course, the good works of the Christians that make that happen through plenty of prayers and intercessions. The Church is a great news to the many migrant workers there.

Click here to see the news.

Negotiation is under-going for a Church to be build in Saudi Arabia and all Christians should pray for it's success.....

God Bless you!