A Voice from the Trenches

clear macro

2012-01-07T20:50:00.000+08:00

2011-06-25T22:26:00.000+08:00

Second Bird shoot session @ Dairy Farm!

JUMP -Rethink!

2011-02-19T09:05:00.001+08:00

Noah's Ark found in turkey

2010-05-02T21:06:00.000+08:00

Noah's Ark Found in Turkey

2010-05-02T20:59:00.005+08:00

While searching for the remains of Noah’s Ark on Mount Ararat in Eastern Turkey, a Chinese-Turkish exploration team successfully excavated and ventured inside a large wooden structure at an elevation of more than 4,000m above sea level. Wood specimens were dated as 4,800 years old. Officials of Turkish government and Cultural Ministries highly regarded the finds and jointly announced the discovery with the exploration team in Hong Kong. They planned to submit an application for the wooden structure to be included on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. A mutual agreement for further co-operation was signed and the Hong Kong team members were recognized as Honorable Citizens of Agri Province, Turkey. In the press conference on April 25, Consul General of Turkey, Mr. Mehmet Raif Karaca, was invited to come and support the great achievements of the exploration team in the aspect of the search for Noah’s Ark.

(source:http://www.noahsarksearch.net/eng/)

Noah's Ark in the Bible

According to the Judaeo-Christian Bible, Noah was a ‘righteous man, blameless in his generation’ (Genesis 6:9) at a time when ‘the Earth was corrupt in God's sight, and the Earth . . . was filled with violence’ (Gen 6:11). God therefore decided to destroy the whole world, yet preserved the life of Noah and his family because of Noah's righteousness.

God instructed Noah to build an Ark of gopher wood 300 cubits long, 50 cubits wide and 30 cubits high, for God was to destroy the world with a Great Flood. God also told Noah to take with him two of every sort of animal on to the Ark (Gen 6:19-20).

Having spent one whole year on the Ark, the floodwaters receded, and the Ark came to rest on the mountains of Ararat (Gen 8:2-4). God told Noah and his family and all the animals to leave the Ark and to fill the world once again.

God then made a covenant with Noah that "Never again shall all flesh be cut off by the waters of the Flood, and never again shall there be a Flood to destroy the Earth", and the covenant was marked by the sign of a rainbow. (Gen 9:13)

The Qur'an also recorded this story, mainly in Sura 11:25-48

Historical Accounts of Noah’s Ark

* Berossus, a native historian of Babylonia in 275 B.C.
“...grounded in Armenia some part still remains in the mountains of the Gordyaeans in Armenia, and some get pitch from the ship by scraping it off, and use it for amulets.”…Babyloniaca

* Nicolas of Damascus, a Greek historian and philosopher in 30 B.C.
“Above the country of the Minus in Armenia a great mountain called Baris, where, as the story goes, many refugees found safety at the time of the Flood, and one man transported upon the ark grounded upon the summit: and relics of the timber were for long preserved…”

* Flavius Josephus, the official historian of the Jews for the Roman Empire in the 1st Century
“The Armenians call that spot the Landing-Place for it was there that the Ark came safely to land, and they show the relics of it to this day. This Flood and the Ark are mentioned by all who have written histories of the barbarians.”… Antiquities of the Jews

* Eutychius, an Egyptian Arab, Patriarch of Alexandria, a famous historian and physician in the 9th Century A.D.
“The Ark rested on the mountains of Ararat; that is, Jabal Judi near Mosul.”… Nazm al-Gawahir

Remark: Although the names of the mountain where the Ark landed vary in different historical records, they actually refer to the same mountain – Mount Ararat.

Your Personal Dee Dah Day

2010-02-08T10:06:00.002+08:00

If joy does not come easily for us, we may have to designate one day a week to be our personal Dee Dah Day, filled with plesant things.

Devote a specific day to acts of celebration so that eventually joy will infuse our entire life. One day a week eat foods we love to eat, listen to music that moves our soul, play a sport that stretches and challenges us, read books that refresh our spirit, wear clothes that make us happy, surround ourselves with beauty -- and as we do these things, give thanks to God for His wonderful goodness. Reflect on what a gracious God He is to have thought of these gifts. Take the time to experience and savor joy, than direct our hearts toward God so that we come to know that He is the giver of "every good and perfect gift". Nothing is too small if it produces true joy in us and causes us to turn toward God in gratitude and delight.

As for me, opportunity to shoot macro insects and experience the nature bring joy to my life. I thank God for His wonderful creation in all of these. =)
(attached the photo-shoot of Lady Beetle for your enjoyment)

Read Psalm 100 today.

A Life Well-Lived

2010-01-23T22:12:00.002+08:00

The world's most famous set of awards are the Nobel Prizes. Presented for outstanding achievement in literature, peace, economics, medicine and the sciences, they were created a century ago by Alfred B. Nobel (1833-1896), a man who amassed his fortune by producing explosives. Among other things, Nobel invented dynamite.

What motivated this Swedish munitions manufacturer to dedicate his fortune to honoring and rewarding those who benefited humanity?

The creation of the Nobel Prizes came about through a chance event. When Nobel's brother died, a newspaper ran a long obituary of Alfred Nobel, believing that it was he who had passed away. Thus, Nobel had an opportunity granted few people: to read his obituary while alive. What he read horrified him: The newspaper described him as a man who had made it possible to kill more people more quickly than anyone else who had ever lived.

At that moment, Nobel realized two things: that this was how he was going to be remembered, and that this was not how he wanted to be remembered. Shortly thereafter, he established the awards. Today, because of his doing so, everyone is familiar with the Nobel Prize, while relatively few people know how Nobel made his fortune. Shakespeare's Mark Antony was wrong: the good we do lives after us. For most of us, it is the most important thing that we leave behind.

Thinking about how one’s obituary is going to read can motivate one to rethink how he is currently spending his life. No eulogy ever says he/she dressed well, lived extravagantly, took fabulous vacations, drove an expensive car, or built the most expensive home. I never heard anyone praised for being too busy at work to find time for their children. A call to someone who is lonely, a listening ear to a person in need, long walks with our children, saying thank you to a spouse and to God, performing acts of goodness and holiness --are the essence of a life well lived.

The people who are most mourned are not the richest or the most famous, or the most successful. They are people who enhanced the lives of others. They were kind. They were loving. They had a sense of their responsibilities. When they could, they gave to charitable causes. If they could not give money, they gave time. They were loyal friends and committed members of communities. They were people you could count on.

God decides how long our chapter on earth is going to be; it’s up to us to make every paragraph and sentence count. Immortality lies not in how long you live but in how you live. Every day is a gift from God and we should use it to the fullest--to celebrate life and become a blessing to others.

If, God forbid, you were to leave the world tomorrow, what would your obituary say? Would it read the way you want it to read?

-Article by Dov Greenberg

(this article is dedicated to my recent demise of my father-in-law, Sim Choon Eng, who lived a life of blessing to others and setting a godly example to his children and grandchildren. We will definitely miss him but we know that we will meet again. Someone wrote this - "A life well-lived for Christ will be rewarded by Christ".)

The Bear

2010-01-11T10:01:00.003+08:00

The story of a movie called 'The Bear'. It is a saga of a tiny bear cub whose mother dies. The cub survives, but the viewer knows that his long-term chances are nil. Then the unexpected happens. The little cub gets adopted by an enormous Kodiak. This giant is always watching over the cub. He protects it. He teaches the cub how to be a bear. Everything the father bear does, the cub imitates. You watch this and are filled with hope -- the cub has a future. He's going to live.

One day they get separated. The little bear can't see his father anywhere. The mountain lion sees his opportunity. he comes swiftly, face-to-face with the cub; he is about to spring. The little bear rears up on his hind legs, lifts his paws and tries to growl fiercely, but the best he can manage is a frightened squeak. The mountain lion is not convinced. Both the cub and his attacker know he is about to die.

The camera focuses the mountain lion whose face registers a look of fear. he stops snarling, turns and slinks away.

The camera pans back and we see what we did not know was there; we see what the little bear cannot. Behind that little bear is the great Kodiak, standing on his hind legs, his massive body poised to save his son with a single swipe. Big paws. Fierce growl.

Then we know. The little bear had nothing to worry about. The cub could not see him or hear him, but the father was there all the time. That forest was a perfectly safe place for the little cub to be. The father could be trusted, even when he seems to be absent.

The story is true for you and for me as well. We will take risks in life and we will face problems. This is part of life and growth. The best part is that God is watching over us in the midst of all these. We are never out of His sight. We will never be out of His care! Psalm 121:3-8

Step into Spring with Our Trust in the Lord!

2010-01-07T10:40:00.001+08:00

Collage of my flowers collection

Flowers

2009-11-23T17:42:00.004+08:00

Flowers is the sign of the seasons, a reason for hope!

"As for man, his days are like grass; as a flower of the field, so he flourishes...but the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting." Psalm 103:15,17

Being an "I Will" person

2009-11-18T09:07:00.003+08:00

Read Psalm 56

In v11, "In Him I trust, and i will not be afraid".

Too many people live half alive. They hold themselves back because of fear: fear of others, fear of failure, fear of their own ability and power. One way to begin moving away from being half alive toward more full living is to become an "I Will" person like today's psalm writer: "In Him I trust and I will not be afraid".

The next time you face discouragement or fear, try saying:

I will learn to be more independent.
I will accept life's challenge and meet it.
I will create new opportunities out of this crisis.
I will find more meaning in life.
I will make some good come out of all this.
I will celebrate what is good in my life.
I will face every trial with faith.
I will trust in God and not be afraid.

Affirmations for the Day
"I am in charge of my thoughts and feelings. God gives me strength to go with my life. I am accepting what cannot be changed. God gives me all i need to overcome."

Time to soar

2009-11-04T09:47:00.003+08:00

Time to soar

Stay Hungry. Stay Foolish.

2009-10-26T14:25:00.002+08:00

An inspiring speech by Steve Jobs:

Youth Sunday Prayer

2009-07-04T22:01:00.001+08:00

When God Ran

2009-07-01T23:53:00.000+08:00

When God Ran by Phillips, Craig And Dean

Defeated Disciples

2009-06-03T15:22:00.000+08:00

"Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me."John 14:1

So the disciples were upset; they were nervous and they were baffled. Jesus looked at them and saw them sitting around him with a hung down head. However, it was Jesus who was on the way to Calvary. There were nails waiting for Jesus' hand. There was a spike waiting for Jesus' side. There was a crown of thorns waiting for the head of Jesus. He was the one that was going to be tortured and beaten and whipped until blood gushed from his back. It looked like somebody should have been encouraging him. But he turned around to his disciples and said, "Let not your heart be troubled."

Now Jesus is concerned with the heart; he deals with the emotions of man. And when your emotions get out of whack, nothing else works right. If your heart starts messing up, your head doesn't think right, your feet don't move right. Your ears don't hear right; hands won't work right. You can have a troubled heart and lie down and sleep won't come. You can have a Rolls Royce in your garage and not feel like driving. You can get on your knees and it seems like you can't get a prayer through. Your friends want to talk to you, but you don't want to talk to anybody. There's no need in anybody trying to say, "Baby, I understand." If they haven't been where you are, they don't understand. If they haven't worn your shoes, they need to stop talking because they don't know what you are going through and the anxiety you feel.
You can go to the doctor and he can't find anything wrong with you. He'll send you back home, but you know you're hurting somewhere. The drug store has remedies for lots of other ailments, but not heart trouble. Only Jesus can cure heart trouble. Only Jesus can bring peace to troubled emotions and an afflicted heart.

—365 Days in the Presence of God

Enduring Love

2009-02-13T10:31:00.004+08:00

“ [Love] bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. —1 Corinthians 13:7 ”

Like many people, I enjoy the Google homepage artwork that appears on special days and holidays. Last Valentine’s Day, the artistic logo showed an older couple—a man with a cane and a white-haired woman—walking hand in hand as the woman held two heart-shaped balloons. It was a beautiful reminder that while our culture glorifies youthful romance, true love has many stages during our journey through life.

Paul’s great essay in 1 Corinthians 13 celebrates the depth and tenacity of the love that carries us beyond self-interest and mere affection. “Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails” (vv.4-8).

Brian Wren has captured this reality in his moving hymn, “When Love Is Found”:

When love is tried as loved ones change,
Hold still to hope though all seems strange,
Till ease returns, and love grows wise
Through listening ears and opened eyes.
© Hope Publishing Co.

When our commitments are tested in the fires of life, no matter what difficulties we face, may God grant us a greater experience of His enduring love and the grace to demonstrate it each day. — David C. McCasland

God’s love is a fabric that never fades, no matter how often it is washed in the waters of adversity.
(adpated from RBC)

When He or She Calls You Out (Getting the signal straight)

2009-02-13T01:35:00.003+08:00

When He or She Calls You Out" (Getting your signals straight) by Pastor Wesley Sng.

What is dating?
Are you old enough to date?
What happens if my Bf or Gf is not a Christian?
How do you decide who to date?

If you have some of this questions on your mind, then you do not wanna miss out the talk this Sunday. Best still, bring a friend for the talk. We welcome any YA friends to join us.

God of Salvation

2009-02-11T09:58:00.002+08:00

(Moon in Singapore on 09022009)

Psalm 19 is so familiar to us. The first six verses talk about the glory of God seen in creation. Verses 7-11 talk about the glory and grace of God revealed in the Word and verses 12-14 talk about God speaking to our hearts. He is revealed in the skies, in the Scripture and in our own hearts and souls.

Even though creation is in travail because of sin (Rom 8:22), God's glory is revealed there. Someone has said that if the stars came out only once every thousand years, we'd stay up all night and look at them in awe and wonder.

David gives us two pictures of us facing each day. The first is like a bridegroom coming out to meet his bride with wonderful hope and love and joy. The second is like a strong man running a race. David tells us to live a day at a time and start each day with glory and grace and a goal to be reached.

Unfortunately, some people know only the God of creation. They admire the God of wisdom , power and providence, who made everything. But it is not enough to know only the Creator. We must know God as the Saviour. This is why Psalm 19 talks about His revelation in the Word. The bible is flawless. We can trust it, test it and taste it (vv9,10). We need to have His Word in our hearts and then we can have God living in our hearts as our Saviour.

God reveals His glory in several ways. It is easy to admire God only as the Creator. But have you trusted His Word? Have you tested and proved it in the furnaces of life? Have you tasted it to find out how sweet it really is? Do not worship only God of Creation or God of Revelation. Let Him be the God of Salvation in your heart as well.

Obedience

2009-02-07T09:41:00.000+08:00

The master puppeteer gracefully guides the puppet through its motions. By pulling and twisting the strings attached to the puppet's body, the puppeteer can manipulate its every move. With no mind of its own, the puppet obeys not by choice but by control.

There are people who believe that humans are like that puppet on the end of a string. "God," they say, "does not care about us. He just wants to control and manipulate our lives." To them, obedience is a dirty word.

Think About It
Obedience is nothing like that. God wants us to obey him, not because he wants to control our every move, but because he knows what is best for us. Moses reminds us of this in Deut. 7:12. "If you listen to these rules and faithfully obey them, the Lord your God will keep his promise to you and be merciful to you."
Sure, all sorts of stresses will test our trust in God. We may wonder at times if obedience is really that important after all. God's ways might even appear foolish to some of our friends or people at school. The truth, however, is that if we want what's best for us in the long run, it's no contest—God's ways are wiser than the world's ways.

Pray About It
Lord, I know that you are wise. I know that your rules and commands help me to become all that you desire for me to be.
—God's Word for Students--Daily Devotions

Key words used for this Sunday Sermon on "Planning Your Devotion"

2009-01-23T02:19:00.003+08:00

Key words used for this Sunday Sermon on "Planning Your Devotion":

Key words used by President Barack Obama in his inaugural address.

2009-01-21T14:54:00.001+08:00

BBPC YF Camp 2008- "MeNoMore" (post camp video)

2009-01-19T22:00:00.001+08:00

BBPC YF Camp 2008- "MeNoMore" (post camp video)

Mac Vs Pc - Transformer Version

2009-01-09T10:41:00.001+08:00

The war has just begin...

There is a Reason

2009-01-04T19:30:00.004+08:00

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him,who have been called according to his purpose." Rom 8:28

In the New Year, some of us may be wondering what God has for us...may be some of us will be taking our 'N' Level, "O" Level, "A" Level, Poly Exam, Uni Poly, looking for job, changing job etc...perhaps in all of these, there are anxiety, and worries. The Word of God exhorted us that 'God causes all things to work for good to those who love Him" God has a reason for all things to happen for good to those who love Him.
This is indeed a promise of God's Word. So no matter what happens in 2009, God has a reason for it.

Caedmon's Call - "There is a Reason"
Late at night I wonder why
sometimes I wonder why
sometimes I’m so tired
I don’t even try
seems everything around me fails
but I hold on to the promise
that there is a reason

Late at night, the darkness makes it hard to see
the history of the saints who’ve gone in front of me
through famine, plague and disbelief
His hand was still upon them
cause there is a reason
there is a reason

He makes all things good
He makes all things good
there’s a time to live and a time to die
a time for wonder and to wonder why
cause there is a reason
there is a reason

I believe in a God who sent His only son
to walk upon this world and give His life for us
with blood and tears on a long, dark night
we know that He believed
that there is a reason
there is a reason

For the lonely nights
and broken hearts
the widow's mite
in the rich man's hand
and the continent
whose blood becomes a traitor

For the child afraid to close their eyes
the prayers that seem unanswered
there is a reason
there is a reason

Photo Album of Christ

2008-12-31T10:40:00.004+08:00

Scripture: Psalm 110

The year ended with many of us took photos to celebrate Christmas and the coming New Year. We then store our photos in photo albums at our homes, posted on facebook or on flickr. The Bible is one long photo album of Christ, and two of the most interesting pictures are displayed in Psalm 110. Along with Psalm 118, this messianic Psalm is by far the most frequently quoted in the New Testament.

1. Christ is Our High King (vv. 1–3).
Here we are allowed to eavesdrop on a conversation between the Father and the Son. Christ is promised kingly victory over His enemies. According to verse 3, it’s our privilege to be His volunteers. There is a great difference between the morale of soldiers whose side is losing and those whose side is winning. Our attitude should daily reflect our knowledge of our King.

2. Christ is Our High Priest (vv. 4–7).
This passage is the link in the biblical information about Melchizedek, whom we meet in Genesis 14 and again in Hebrews 5–7. As our High Priest, Christ...
• Understands our weakness (Heb. 4:15).
• Atones for our sins (Heb. 5:1–3).
• Intercedes for our needs (Heb. 7:25).

Just as we keep snapshots of our loved ones on our phones, on facebook, or flickr, let’s keep these two pictures of Christ in our hearts.

BBPCYF Camp 2008

2008-12-23T19:26:00.005+08:00

for more photos, check here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/wesleysng/sets/72157611519587772/

BBPCYF Camp Theme Song

2008-12-23T19:20:00.003+08:00

BBPCYF Camp 2008 theme Song - "My Future Decided" by Hillsong

YF Camp - Drama Trailer "Who Died"

2008-12-11T10:29:00.001+08:00

Scared? Freaked out? Be sure not to miss the 2nd night of camp if you want to crack the crime! Be a CSI on that day =P

BBPC YF Camp 2008 Publicity - "MeNoMore"

2008-12-11T10:14:00.004+08:00

This is a great bunch of youth that i am serving together. Look at the YF camp pubicity ...speaks the depth and love they have for God. =)

BBPC YF Campsite

2008-12-11T10:07:00.001+08:00

A Prayer To Help Us Start The Day On The Right Track

2008-11-11T14:28:00.000+08:00

"Eternal Father of my soul, let my first thought be of You."

"Let my first impulse be to worship You."

"Let my speech be Your Name."

"Let my first action be to kneel before You in prayer… "

"Let me not, when this morning prayer is said, think my worship ended and spend the day in forgetfulness of You. Rather from these moments of quietness let light go forth, and joy, and power, that will remain with me through all the hours of the day;"

"Keeping me chaste in thought: ("May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer." Psalm 19:14)

"Keeping me temperate and truthful: ("Do not let any unwholesomeness talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen." Ephesians 4:29)

"Keeping me humble in my estimation of myself: ("Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgement, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you." Romans 12:3b)

"Keeping me honorable and generous in my dealings with others: ("Freely you have received, freely give… Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves." Matthew 10:8b; Romans 12:10)

"Keeping me loyal to every hallowed memory of the past: ("Do not move an ancient boundary stone set up by your forefathers." Proverbs 22:28)

"Keeping me mindful of my eternal destiny as a child of yours: ("In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade-kept in heaven for you." 1 Peter 1:3b, 4)

"Let me then put back into Your hand all that You have given me, rededicating to Your service all the powers of my mind and body, all my worldly goods, all my influence with others. All these O Father, are yours to use as You will… Speak in my words today, think in my thoughts, and work in my deeds… " In Jesus Name. Amen.

Conducting A Spiritual Audit

2008-11-05T14:10:00.001+08:00

Time to conduct spiritual audit:

Six questions to keep your personal accounts in order:

1. Am I content with who I am becoming? I must be sure my profession does not consume my person. It's important that I be more than I do or have. When the time comes for me to leave my title and power, will I have anything to fill the vacuum? As I mature am I moving from power to wisdom; from the offensive to being sought out? "Throw off your old evil nature—the old you that was a partner in your evil ways—rotten through and through, full of lust and sham. Now your attitudes and thoughts must all be constantly changing for the better. Yes, you must be a new and different person, holy and good. Clothe yourself with this new nature." (Ephesians 4:22-24 Living) (See Job 22:23; Ezekiel 18:30-32; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Colossians 2:11; 3:8, 9; Hebrews 12:1; James 1:21)

2. Do I have a quiet center to my life? For many of us our life motto seems to be, "When in trouble, when in doubt, run in circles, scream, and shout." God's Word, however, encourages us to "Be still and know that I am God." (Psalm 46:10) There is an important difference between the fast track and the frantic track. By way of contrast, Jesus quietly "went about doing good." He had a quiet center. A peace which evidenced the presence of God. Do I? (See Psalm 131:2; 23:2; Isaiah 30:15; 32:17)

3. Is my prayer life improving? Do my decisions have prayer as an integral part, or do I make decisions out of my desires and then immerse them in a sanctimonious sauce I call prayer? "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer… present your requests to God." (Philippians 4:6a,c) (See 1 Kings. 3:5; 2 Chronicles. 7:14; Psalm 37:4; Matthew 6:6-9; 7:7, 8; 21:22; John 14:13, 14; 16:23, 24; James 5:16-18)

4. Is my humility genuine? There is nothing so arrogant as false humility. Humility is not denying the power that I have, but admitting that the power comes through me, not from me. "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves." (Philippians 2:3) (See Psalm 37:11; 131:1; Proverbs 11:2; 27:2; Isaiah 57:15; 66:2b; Jeremiah 45:5; Micah 6:8; Luke 18:14; 1 Peter 5:5)

5. Is obedience in small matters built into my reflexes? Do I try to bargain with God or rationalize with him? Obedience largely determines my relation with Christ. Good intentions count for little. "Obedience is the test of whether we really live 'in God' or not. The life of a man who professes to be living in God must bear the stamp of Christ." (1 John 2:5, 6 – Phillips Translation) (See Proverbs 19:16; 19:17; 1 John 5:3; Luke 6:46)

6. Do I have joy? Joy is perfected in the full belief in the total sovereignty of God. Doubt dilutes joy. Does my joy extend into my suffering; understanding that my suffering is my maturation. "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." (James 1:2-4) (See Nehemiah 8:10; Isaiah 12:1-3; 61:10; Romans 15:13; 2 Corinthians 6:10)

The Fisherless Fishermen

2008-11-04T11:52:00.001+08:00

"'Come, follow me,' Jesus said, 'and I will make you fishers of men.'" (Matthew 4:19)

There was a group called "Fishermen's Fellowship". They were surrounded by streams and lakes full of hungry fish. They met regularly to discuss the call to fish, the abundance of fish and the thrill of catching fish. They got excited about fishing.

Someone suggested they needed a philosophy of fishing. So they carefully defined and redefined fishing and the purpose of fishing. They developed fishing strategies and tactics.

Then they realized they had been going at it backwards. They had approached fishing from the point of the fisherman and not from the point of view of the fish. How do fish view the world? How does the fisherman appear to the fish? What do fish eat and when? These are all good things to know.

So they began research studies and attended conferences on fishing. Some traveled faraway to study different kinds of fish with different habits. Some got Ph.D.'s in Fishology. But none had yet gone fishing.

So a committee was formed to send out fishermen. As prospective fishing places outnumbered the fishermen, the committee needed to determine priorities. A priority list of fishing places was posted on bulletin boards in all the Fellowship halls.

Still no one was fishing. A survey was launched to find out why. Most did not answer the questionnaire but from those who did respond, it was discovered that some felt called to study fish, a few to furnish fishing equipment and several to go around encouraging fishermen.

What with meetings, conferences and seminars, others simply didn't have time to fish.

Jake was a newcomer to the "Fishermen's Fellowship". After one stirring meeting of the "Fellowship," Jake went fishing. He tried a few things, got the hang of it and caught a choice fish. At the next meeting he told his story, was honored for his catch and was then scheduled to speak at all the "Fellowship" chapters to tell how he did it.

Soon he began to feel restless and empty. He longed to feel the tug on the line once again. He cut the speaking, resigned from the Board and said to a friend, "Let's go fishing." They did-just the two of them-and they caught fish.

The members of the "Fishermen's Fellowship" were many, the fish were plentiful, but the fishers were few.

QUESTION: When was the last time you and I did some serious fishing for men? What are we waiting for? After all, Jesus did say, "'Come, follow me… and I will make you fishers of men.'"

Three Things To Do To Win The "Race"

2008-10-25T20:07:00.001+08:00

If you aspire to win the "race," then do these three things:

1. Get rid of every "encumbrance" and sin "that cleverly places itself in an entangling way around [you]." To name a few:

"THE CRAZE FOR SEX" (1 John 2:16 – Living) (Colossians 3:5; 1 Peter 2:11; 4:2; Ephesians 2:3; Titus 3:3)

"THE ENTICEMENT OF THE EYES." (1 John 2:16 – nab) (Genesis 3:6; 6:2; Josh 7:21; Job 31:1; Matt 4:5-7; Luke 8:14; 18:22, 23; 12:15)

"THE PRIDE THAT COMES FROM WEALTH AND IMPORTANCE" (1 John 2:16 – Living) (Psalm 73:3-12; Esther 1:3-7; Daniel 4:30)

MALICE — Vicious intentions; the desire to hurt others. (Ephesians 4:31, 32; Colossians 3:8; 1 Peter 2:1)

HYPOCRISY — Playacting: "On the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness." (Matthew 23:28) (Psalm 32:3; 34:14; James 3:17; 1 Peter 2:1; 3:10)

ENVY — Jealousy, spite, ill-will: "Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other." (Galatians 5:26) (1 Samuel 18:8, 9; Psalm 37:1; 73:3; Proverbs 24:1, 19; Galatians 5:21, 26; James 3:14, 16)

SLANDER — Evil speaking, defamation, backbiting: ""Wives are to be women worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything." (1 Timothy 3:11b) (1 Peter 4:4; Ephesians 4:31; Colossians 3:8; 1 Timothy 3:11; Titus 2:3)

THE LOVE OF FAMILY OVER LOVE FOR CHRIST — "Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me." (Matthew 10:37) (Luke 9:59-61; Luke 14:26)

ANXIETY — "The worries of this life… come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful." (Mark 4:19a,c) (Luke 17:26-30; 21:34; Matthew 6:24, 25; Philippians 4:6, 7)

2. Run the "race" before you with patient endurance. (Hebrews 12:1) (Hebrews 6:15; Romans 2:7; 8:24, 25)

3. Keep your eyes on Jesus and emulate His example. (Hebrews 12:2, 3) (Luke 6:40)

"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. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." (Hebrews 12:1b-3)

—Facts of the Matter

The Key To The Christian Life Is Surrender

2008-10-24T09:22:00.000+08:00

The Key To The Christian Life Is Surrender

Are you fearful about the future? Apprehensive that the bottom might fall out? Concerned at the prospect of some future calamity? The only answer to quelling such fears is SURRENDERING to our wise, all-knowing sovereign Father.

"Those who listen to Me will be secure and will live at ease, without dread of disaster." (Proverbs 1:33b) (See Proverbs 31:25; Jeremiah 17:7, 8)

Are you experiencing a difficult relationship in the family or at work? Perhaps you are perplexed by an association in which you feel misunderstood or mistreated. Again, the answer to inner peace lies in SURRENDER.

"Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity." (Colossians 3:12, 13)

Are you fearful that you might not be able to maintain control over your finances? Concerned that they could slip away, or be diminished by a bad investment, or by an economic crisis beyond your control? Again, SURRENDER is the only hope for inner peace.

"Riches do not endure forever, and a crown is not secure for all generations… Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone, for they will surely sprout wings and fly off to the sky like an eagle." (Proverbs 27:24; 23:5) (See Psalm 25:12, 13)

Are you worried about your health? Of getting cancer? Or growing old? Are you fearful that a family member might be stricken or die prematurely? This side of eternity there certainly are no guarantees of a sublime, pain-free life. So again, the answer lies in SURRENDER to our wise and loving Shepherd.

"Those who hope in me will not be disappointed." (Isaiah 49:23b)

But SURRENDERING our will to His does not come easily. The reason? "We seek what one might call a relative omnipotence: The power to have everything we want, to enjoy every thing we desire, to demand that all our wishes be satisfied and that our will should never be frustrated or opposed. It is the need to have everyone to bow to our judgment and accept our declarations as law. It is the insatiable thirst for recognition of the excellence we so desperately need to find in ourselves to avoid despair… " (Thomas Merton)

Humanly, it would seem that achieving inner peace would be dependent upon our ability to consummate and maintain control over our lives in every area. His condition for our peace, however, is based on our categorical, unconditional SURRENDER to Him and His sovereign will. Jesus demonstrated His SURRENDER to the Father in praying, "Not as I will, but as You will." (Matthew 26:39b) Do you choose to do the same?
—Facts of the Matter

Fernando Alonso - WInner of F1 Singapore GP 2008

2008-09-30T21:32:00.001+08:00

Fernando Alonso -Renault
Originally uploaded by Wesley Sng Photography

I was there to catch the F1 Singapore GP 2008 final. The mood and experience was fantastic! I am glad to be part of the historic event in F1 history! Here was a photo taken by me - the winner of the F1 Singapore GP 2008 - Fernando Alonso -driving his Renault.

Retro Family

2008-09-16T18:03:00.001+08:00

Retro Family
Originally uploaded by Wesley Sng Photography

Retro Family...vote your favorite member =)

"40 Tips For Young Pastors" by Craig Groeshel

2008-09-15T12:46:00.002+08:00

40 Leadership Tips For Young Pastors

1. Life is short. Make every day count for God’s glory.

2. Don’t take yourself too seriously.

3. Ministry is a marathon, not a sprint.

4. Jesus cares more about the church than you do. (I really need to remember this
one)

5. You can’t please everyone…so why try? (A trap that is easy to get caught up in)

6. People will criticize you. Quit whining. Get used to it. (Hoo-boy...need to
remember this one too!)

7. Three months from now, you won’t even remember most of the things that are bothering you now.

8. You can’t do it all. Stop trying.

9. God called you because He is good, not because you are. (That is the truth!!)

10. If you blame yourself for the bad results in ministry, you’ll likely also take credit for the good results.

11. Become close friends with other pastors in your town (as many as you can).

12. Your kids will be grown before you know it. Don’t sacrifice them on the altar
of ministry. (I've seen this happen far too often)

13. Your ministry isn’t your god. God is your God.

14. You know how to give and how to minister to others. If you don’t learn how to
receive, you'll burn out and/or die. (Why is this so hard for pastors to do?)

15. Studying for sermons doesn’t replace your personal time with God and in His Word.

16. Err on the side of generosity.

17. Believe in people that others overlook.

18. If you’re going to reach people that others aren’t, you’ll have to do things
that others won't. (This is one for each believer, each local church)

19. Your integrity matters more than you can imagine.

20. Hire staff members that you like.

21. When you have a tough decision to make, but you know it’s right, make it
immediately. Like pulling off a Band-Aid: do it fast, and all at once.

22. Hire slowly. Fire quickly.

23. You can’t change people. Only God can.

24. Don’t criticize others’ ministries. Yours isn’t nearly as perfect as you think
it is. (I laughed out loud at this one)

25. Take care of yourself. Eat right. Rest. Exercise. Take time off. No one else can do that for you.

26. If you don’t take much time off, it’s because you’re proud, and you think
you’re more necessary than you really are. (Ouch!)

27. Don’t just delegate responsibility. Delegate authority.

28. Laugh frequently.

29. People will leave your church. People you love and trust will leave your church. Don’t take it personally. (It's hard not too...often the rest of the church
blames the pastor)

30. When you suffer and hurt because of ministry, worship Jesus all the more.

31. Talk about Jesus every time you preach.

32. Be careful what you say. You’re being watched-and recorded.

33. Don’t return emails when you’re angry.

34. Check to make sure your microphone is turned off before you use the bathroom.
Double-check. (This is funny....because I've done this)

35. Check to make sure your zipper is zipped every time before you preach.
Double-check. (And I've done this too)

36. Love your wife more than you love the church. The church is Jesus’ bride, not
yours. (I've seen too many abandon their wives for the church)

37. Always be caught speaking well of others.

38. Compliment, encourage, and build up your staff and volunteers.

39. Hand write thank you notes.

40. Smile and look people in the eyes when you talk to them.

In God's family, we are Gold medalists!

2008-09-07T18:18:00.002+08:00

We are the Champions
Originally uploaded by Wesley Sng Photography

Thank you Glory YF for the farewell. I will always remember it.
May the Lord continue bless and keep you in His loving care.

http://flickr.com/photos/wesleysng/sets/72157607158465969/

EP Co-Workers' Retreat

2008-09-06T02:39:00.001+08:00

EP Co-Workers' Retreat
Originally uploaded by Wesley Sng Photography

EP Co-workers' Retreat 2008 Group Photo.

The New Canon 50D!

2008-08-31T14:04:00.001+08:00

What is GRACE?

2008-08-27T16:45:00.002+08:00

Grace is God's unmerited favor. It is kindness from God we don't deserve. There is nothing we have done, nor we can ever do to earn this favor. It is a gift from God. Grace is divine assistance given to humans for their regeneration (rebirth) or sanctification; a virtue coming from God; a state of sanctification enjoyed through divine favor.

A preacher once explained grace with this acronym:
God's
Riches
At
Christ's
Expense

Perhaps you have heard grace explained like this:

Grace = receiving something good that you do not deserve
Grace goes hand in hand with mercy:

Mercy = not receiving something bad that you do deserve
Grace and mercy are at the heart of the Christian Gospel:

"As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient.

All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts.

Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.

And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast." (Ephesians 2:1-9)

And yet, so many Christians do not understand what grace and mercy really mean.

"Legalism forces Christians into constant striving to avoid failure. Grace, on the other hand, eliminates the fear of failure. Grace plus Nothing explains how you can live your life seeking success rather than fearing failure. It also describes God's ultimate cure for the deep feelings of guilt or shame that plague many in the body of Christ.Thank God for failure! Why? Because if I had not failed miserably as a legalistic Christian, I could never have known the transforming power of the grace of God." Jeff Harkin

Gospel is like the joyous harmonies of heaven

2008-08-22T09:52:00.000+08:00

Fritz Kreisler (1875-1962), a famous violinist, earned a fortune with his concerts and compositions, but he generously gave most of it away. So, when he discovered an exquisite violin on one of his trips, he was not able to buy it. Later, having raised enough money, he returned to the seller, hoping to purchase the beautiful instrument. To his great dismay it had been sold to a collector. Kreisler made his way to the new owner's home and offered to buy the violin. The collector said it had become his prized possession and he would not sell it. Disappointed, Kreisler was about to leave when he asked, "Could I play the instrument once more before it is consigned to silence?" Permission was granted, and the great violinist filled the room with such heart-moving music that the collector's emotions were deeply stirred. "I have no right to keep that to myself," he exclaimed. "It's yours, Mr. Kreisler. Take it into the world, and let people hear it." (Our Daily Bread, February 4, 1994)

To sinners saved by grace, the gospel is like the joyous harmonies of heaven. We have no right to keep it to ourselves. Jesus tells us to take it into our world and let people hear it.

Friends Forever

2008-08-20T13:04:00.000+08:00

This is a song dedicated to all youth in Glory PC!

NDR 2008 -QIK

2008-08-19T13:15:00.001+08:00

Found the NDR PM's QIK!
Smile, you are on live web! =)

Sports Photographers

2008-08-18T14:58:00.004+08:00

A high-resolution photo circulating on the web, taken of one of the photographer corrals at the Beijing National Aquatics Centre earlier this week, shows about 100 accredited shooters using a mix of both Canon and Nikon equipment. If you like to see sports photographers in action, the photo is worth a peek.

"Wonderful Grace Of Jesus" By The Cathedrals (ACAPELLA)

2008-07-28T23:46:00.001+08:00

My favorite Hymn - "Wonderful Grace of Jesus"

Youth Sunday 2008 Trading My Sorrows

2008-07-17T16:21:00.003+08:00

"Trading My Sorrows" the song that the youth presented during Youth Sunday 6th July 2008 is a joyful tune about being pressed and persecuted. The simple, yet resounding chorus-Yes, Lord, Yes, Lord, Yes, Yes, Lord-is an agreement with the things that God is doing in the life of the worshiper, a cry of thanks. The songwriter and singer, Darrell Evans says that “Joy isn't tested when things are great; Joy is tested and strength is tested when things are difficult. Where are you going to run when things get hard and you don't understand? I'm going to run to you, God. I don't get it, but I'm going to trade this in for joy and just knowing that walking with You is more than enough to carry me through." We want to thank the YF for sharing with us this meaningful song. Though we are no longer able to groove like the way they groove, we can certainly share their same desire to turn to God when things are difficult to trade our sorrow and pain for the joy of the Lord!

Youth Sunday 2008

2008-07-13T21:18:00.005+08:00

Thanks uncle Peng Mun for taking the Youth Sunday Photos and uploading it =)
Click here for more~

Make me a blessing!

2008-07-13T21:08:00.001+08:00

Make me a channel of blessing today,
Make me a channel of blessing, I pray;
My life possessing, my service blessing,
Make me a channel of blessing today. —Smyth

We are at our best when we serve others.

Hard Day but Be Happy

2008-06-27T10:49:00.000+08:00

When It's Hard to Forgive

2008-06-25T14:44:00.000+08:00

Do you have a situation where forgiveness seems impossible? Perhaps you're thinking, "I just can't forgive this person for what he's done to me. It's too painful to deal with. He's done it too many times. He's hurt me too deeply."

But the power—and the beauty—of the transformed Christian life is that "it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure" (Philippians 2:13 NKJV). It will never be the depth of your love that causes you to forgive such heartless acts and attitudes.

It will never be within your power to overlook the wicked lies and wild justifications of those who have made you distrustful of just about everybody. It will be—it can only be—the love of Christ transplanted into your believing heart that can exchange your weakness for His strength.

God's Love—and Lorna's

Several years ago, I met a dear woman named Lorna Wilkinson, whose husband had brought a great deal of discord and mistrust into their marriage. He was an alcoholic, and his condition had worsened over the years, bringing with it all the turmoil that tends to accompany substance abuse: financial pressure, irresponsibility, the chaos of never being able to depend on him, never knowing if he'd be where he said he would.

Finally Lorna decided that she had been through enough. She came to the conclusion that divorce was the only way out, the best way she knew to salvage what remained of her life.

So she took the step. She filed all the paperwork, asked him to leave, and prepared to move on.

She was not yet a believer. But providentially, right at that critical juncture in her life, she "happened" to tune in to a "Revive Our Hearts" radio program, when I was teaching about forgiveness. Her heart was gripped as she learned of the incredible forgiveness God offers through Christ, the way He deals with our sin by perfectly releasing us, thus enabling us to extend the same kind of forgiveness to others.

Day after day, this needy woman continued to listen to the broadcast, her thirsty heart drinking in the truth of the Word. Within a short period of time, her eyes had been opened and she was brought to faith in Christ.

But her divorce was still moving forward ... until the day her phone rang. It was her husband, saying he was sick.

"At the time, I was still frustrated and angry to some degree," she admits. "I said, 'Why are you calling me? Why don't you call 911?'"

He did. Just in time. Her husband was having a heart attack.

Extended family began to gather at the hospital, not sure if he was going to make it. Part of her wanted to be done with him, but somewhere in the depths of her heart, the Lord seemed to be saying, "Go whisper in your husband's ear that he doesn't have to worry about a place to live. Tell him he can come home."

That day, amid a tangle of tubes and wires and other life-saving devices, Lorna gave her husband the most revitalizing gift of all: the gift of forgiveness.

By God's grace, he did recover. He came home. He was a changed man. Miraculously, he no longer had the urge to smoke or drink. He landed a full-time job and began working faithfully to provide for his family. Newfound love entered their home, a desire to pray and worship, a focus on lasting priorities. There were flowers, postcards, candlelit dinners. Everything.

Early in the process of restoration, there were moments when those old feelings would flood back in Lorna's heart. "Lord, I can't do this," she would cry out in prayer. "I cannot love him the way You intended me to love. But I am asking You, Lord, to give me Your love, to just let it flow through me to this man."

And God's love slowly began to melt the awful memories. One by one, she began entering into each of those descriptive phrases in 1 Corinthians 13—"Love is patient and kind ... does not insist on its own way ... rejoices with the truth ... bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things."

As God's love began to fill their home, Lorna and her husband started to experience the kind of marriage she had always dreamed of but had given up hope of ever having. In fact, four months after they were reconciled, Lorna's husband woke her early one morning to say, "I now know that a man should love his wife the way God has loved us. I want to tell you, Lorna, at this moment, I love you that way."

These were the last words she would ever hear from his lips.

Within hours, a second massive heart attack took him home to be with the Lord. Imagine where Lorna and her children might be today if she had chosen the logical way, the natural way, the vengeful way—the bitter path of unforgiveness.

Imagine the lives that would still be in shambles, the regrets that would have lingered for a lifetime.

"Do not give up on your marriage," she urged the listeners in an interview. "Do not give up on your spouse. Take it to the Lord in prayer and always remember: What you are not able to do for yourself, He will do it for you and in you."

Resulting Peace

Certainly, not every marriage is remedied the way Lorna's was, even by forgiveness. But even when you can't see the results—though the situation may not clear up entirely or get any better at all—you can still know that you've done what God has required of you. You can continue to forgive as His grace and love flow through you. And you can walk in peace—His peace.

Adapted from Choosing Forgiveness: Your Journey to Freedom. By Nancy Leigh DeMoss

Live only for what counted for eternity

2008-05-03T10:32:00.003+08:00

What things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. —Philippians 3:7

In 1927, John Sung boarded a ship from the US bound for Shanghai. He had been in the States for more than 7 years, earning three degrees in that time, including a Ph.D.

As the ship neared its destination, Sung threw all his diplomas, medals, and fraternity keys overboard, keeping only his doctorate diploma to show his father. He had received Jesus Christ and was determined that for the rest of his life he would live only for what counted for eternity.

Many older Christians still living in East and Southeast Asia came to know Christ through the ministry of John Sung, who has been called China’s Billy Graham for his evangelistic work. His actions demonstrate what Paul wrote in Philippians 3:7, “What things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ.”

Not everyone can do what John Sung did. But, like Paul, we all should regard the things of this life “as rubbish” (v.8), and live our lives so that they will count for eternity.

There are people within your sphere of influence whose lives you can impact for God. He has placed them there for you to point them to Jesus.

Think of someone you can speak to about Jesus Christ and what He has done for you.

— C. P. Hia

Let my hands perform His bidding,
Let my feet run in His ways,
Let my eyes see Jesus only,
Let my lips speak forth His praise. —James

Only one life, ’twill soon be past; only what’s done for Christ will last.
(extract from RBC minitries)

What Condom Ads Produced

2008-04-30T22:16:00.001+08:00

An Exchange of Letters (article by John Piper)

A few years ago the Minneapolis Star Tribune printed an editorial I wrote titled, "Condom Ads Promote Promiscuity, Not Good Health." There had been a brouhaha in our town about whether such ads were a good idea. Somehow the media got to me for an opinion, and then with some other pastors I wrote to say that the advertising was a bad idea. Two days later I received the following letter. It shows a slice of "real world" sexual amorality.

The letter: "After reading your commentary on condom ads I for one am glad I am not a member of an organization that thinks on the same lines as you folks do. You all have your heads deep in the sand. I am single and thirty-eight years old, so according to you I am not to have sex until the day I get married. What if I never marry? Am I never to have sex? I for one like to have sex, and so does my girlfriend. And physical stimulation of the sexual nature is one of the greatest feelings one can have. Without it you lose something from your general well-being."

My response: "I appreciate your honesty and your willingness to sign your letter to me. Not everyone has the courage to stand behind his opinion.

"Yes, you are right in concluding that I think people should not engage in sexual intercourse outside marriage. I certainly agree that our sexual nature is good and that the experience of consummation in sexual relations is a 'great feeling.'

"What I don't agree with is that these good physical feelings can be pursued without regard to larger issues in life, like commitment and loyalty. Or, to put it another way, I'm profoundly convinced that since sexuality is a gift of God, we should look to God for guidance in how to handle this remarkably precious gift.

"When I look to God's written Word, the Bible, I find the teaching that premarital and extramarital sex are forbidden. Since God is a God of love and wisdom, I take that to mean that it would be good for me to abstain from sexual intercourse outside of marriage.

"Yes, in a sense, those who don't marry experience 'loss'—the loss of a physical sensation—but they also experience great gain. The moral and emotional thrill of being master over your own impulses is like reaching a snow-swept mountain peak against all the odds of ice and wind. The greatest pleasures in life do not come from giving in to bodily impulses that we share with animals. The greatest pleasures in life come by rising to that moral, personal, spiritual conformity with our Creator, in whose image we were made.

"I wonder if you would want to say that because Jesus was never married and never experienced sexual intercourse, he was somehow less admirable, less worthy of our trust, obedience, and praise?

"Please know that I do not resent your writing to me, nor do I despise you because of your opinions. My deep desire is that you would simply take more seriously the possibility that our sexuality may be an expression of extraordinary love rather than Victorian prudery."

He wrote back a conciliatory letter saying he respected my views. I still pray he will stop settling for mud pies in the slum when a holiday in the Alps is offered in allegiance to Jesus.

("A Godward Life" by John Piper)

Defining Moment

2008-04-18T13:53:00.001+08:00

Defining Moment

READ: Genesis 50:15-21

You meant evil against me; but God meant it for good . . . to save many people alive. —Genesis 50:20

One year ago, people around the world were stunned by a shooting rampage that left 32 victims dead on the campus of Virginia Tech University. In the aftermath, the mother of one critically wounded student who survived said she did not want the ordeal to become the defining moment in her son's life. Instead, she hoped it could be "something positive, some great celebration of his life."
When the unthinkable happens, it may seem impossible to believe that anything can overcome the emotional scars. Yet, the life of Joseph offers a powerful illustration of God's transforming power (Gen. 37–50). The brothers who sold him into slavery were sure he would take revenge on them (50:15-17). But Joseph told them, "You meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive" (v.20).
When we place our desire for revenge in God's hands, we become participants in the remarkable process described by Paul: "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good" (Rom. 12:21).

The defining moments of our lives are not determined by the evil done to us, but by our response through the grace and power of God. — David C. McCasland

When rough the path from day to day,When sorrows fill our eyes with tears,Our choice to find our hope in ChristCan lift our soul and calm our fears. —D. De Haan

Let danger drive you to Jesus.

(extract From Daily Bread)

He is not here, but is risen! —Luke 24:6

2008-03-25T00:29:00.001+08:00

In his documentary The Lost Tomb of Jesus, Simcha Jacobovici claims archaeological evidence that disproves the resurrection of Christ. He says that the words “Jesus son of Joseph” found on a burial container near Jerusalem refer to Jesus of Nazareth. He also claims to have identified Jesus’ DNA.

How valid are these conclusions? The Israel Antiquities Authority calls them “nonsense.” Other secular and religious scholars agree. Jesus and Joseph were common names in first-century Judea. And Jacobovici needs DNA samples from Jesus to compare with the bones in the tomb. Obviously, that’s impossible!

But there are strong arguments in favor of Jesus’ resurrection. Most compelling is the fact that every disciple except John died a martyr’s death. Central to their message was Jesus’ resurrection (Acts 2:29-32). If Christ had not been raised from the dead, why did the disciples choose to die rather than deny it?

Assaults on our faith and on the Scriptures come and go. Don’t be shaken by these baseless attacks. Two thousand years ago, the disciples were eyewitnesses to the real tomb of Jesus. The angels told them, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen!” (Luke 24:5-6). — Dennis Fisher

Up from the grave He arose,With a mighty triumph o’er His foes;He arose a Victor from the dark domain,And He lives forever with His saints to reign. —Lowry

(extract from "My Daily Bread")

The resurrection is a fact of history that demands a response of faith.

Thank You, Lord!

2008-03-14T21:06:00.000+08:00

Without God’s presence in our life we are left in the dark.

2008-02-24T21:07:00.004+08:00

[Illustration of Albert Einstein proving to an antagonistic professor that evil exists as the absence of God]

A University professor at a well known institution of higher learning challenged his students with this question. “Did God create everything that exists?”

One student bravely replied, “Yes he did!”
“God created everything?” The professor asked.
“Yes sir, he certainly did,” the student replied.
The professor answered, “If God created everything; then God created evil. And, since evil exists, and according to the principal that our works define who we are, then we can assume God is evil.”

The student became quiet and did not answer the professor’s hypothetical definition.

The professor boasted to the students that he had proven once more that the Christian faith was a myth.

Another student raised his hand and said, “May I ask you a question, professor?”
“Of course”, replied the professor.
“Professor, does cold exist?”
“What kind of question is this? Of course it exists. Have you never been cold?”

The other students snickered at the young man’s question.

The young man replied, “In fact sir, cold does not exist. According to the laws of physics, what we consider cold is in reality the absence of heat. Every body or object is susceptible to study when it has or transmits energy, and heat is what makes a body or matter have or transmit energy. Absolute zero (-460 F) is the total absence of heat; and all matter becomes inert and incapable of reaction at that temperature. Cold does not exist. We have created this word to describe how we feel if we have no heat.”

The student continued, “Professor, does darkness exist?”

The professor responded, “Of course it does.”

The student replied, “Once again you are wrong sir, darkness does not exist either. Darkness is in reality the absence of light. Light we can study, but not darkness. In fact, we can use Newton’s prism to break white light into many colors and study the various wavelengths of each color. You cannot measure darkness. A simple ray of light can break into a world of darkness and illuminate it. How can you know how dark a certain space is? You measure the amount of light present. Isn’t this correct? Darkness is a term used by man to describe what happens when there is no light present.”

Finally the young man asked the professor, “Sir, does evil exist?” Now uncertain, the professor responded, “Of course, as I have already said. We see it everyday. It is in the daily examples of man’s inhumanity to man, the crime and violence everywhere are manifestations are nothing else but evil.”

To this the student replied, “Evil does not exist, sir, or at least it does not exist unto itself. Evil is simply the absence of God. It is just like darkness and cold, a word that man has created to describe the absence of God. God did not create evil. Evil is the result of what happens when man does not have God’s love present in his heart. It’s like the cold that comes when there is no heat, or the darkness that comes when there is no light.”

This time the professor kept quiet.

By the way the name of that young student is Albert Einstein.

Without God’s presence in our life we are left in the dark.

Why do we see crimes committed around the world and even in our small country of Singapore. Why do we see our young people increasingly sucked into drug, alcohol, materialism and promiscuous sexual lives? Why do intelligent professionals get sucked into greed which finally leads to cheating? Why do people give up hope in theirs lives and live in depression and despair.

It is because we lack God’s presence in our lives. It is because we do not allow the Light of the world to guide and shine in our lives.Jesus is the Light of the world. Whoever follows Jesus will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.

This is His Promise to every one of us here. If you have not come to Light of the world, today you can do so. If you already have Jesus in your life but is struggling to walk in His light because of certain sins in your life that is blocking your relationship with Him, confess to Him today.
(sermon illustration from "Jesus, Light of the World" (John 8:12-30))

My Nokia N95 Episode

2008-02-23T11:04:00.005+08:00

My Nokia N95 Episode

Finally after 21 months, i got an opportunity to renew my handphone. My Nokia 6280 served me for many months before it broke down 4 months before my contract ends. So i managed to trade in my Nokia 6280 for Nokia N70 (withour contract), however, it was so slow that i decided to change my handphone to another hp - Motorola V6. Motorola V6 is a good handphone and it serves me very well.

When my contract was up, i was given $150 discount to get a new handphone as well as renewing my two contract with SingTel. I asked for the price of Nokia N95 which was selling at $488. After deduct $150, i still have to pay $338 and signed two years contract. I was no willing to pay a high price for a phone. Then i got another offer that if i buy my phone at Hello SingTel Shop, i will get further discount of the purchase of a handphone. i decided to go for that option.

I was told by Singtel to pay only $188 for Nokia N95 if i buy my Nokia N95 at Hello SingTel shop and continue my two contract plan with them. The next day, i went to Hello Singtel Shop to renew my contract as well as to buy the Nokia N95. The Hello Singtel Shop assistance told me that there was no such offer. However, after checking with SingTel, they realised that they have make an $150 dollars error. True to their words, Singtel honour the promises and i was able to buy Nokia N95 for $188. I traded in my Motorola V6 for another $150 and at the end, i only pay a mere $38 dollars for my Nokia N95.

The trustworthiness of a Service Provider is important. One who honors their words and do their part. =D

Our very own Boy Band?

2008-02-13T15:54:00.001+08:00

Omega Nite Photos 2007

2008-02-13T15:49:00.002+08:00

Omega Nite photos at http://flickr.com/photos/wesleysng/sets/72157603902360249/

YF Camp photos

2008-02-13T15:37:00.002+08:00

YF Camp Photos are available for viewing at my filckr. There are two sets of photos. All together about thousands of photos =P

http://flickr.com/photos/wesleysng/sets/72157603893197374/

http://flickr.com/photos/wesleysng/sets/72157603894629724/

Twenty-Eight Things Every Youth Pastor Should Know To Stay In The Game

2008-02-12T23:38:00.000+08:00

These veterans offer valuable advice to those in youth ministry:

1. Do not be a lone ranger. “You cannot try to do everything yourself or you will burn out quickly. Recruit a team to gather around you so you can share the vision and help it spread and grow,” Riddle says.

2. Put a system in place. Mayo explains, “If you desire growth, you must have a small group format or something that retains those kids and builds friendship with the visitors so when they come in, they are engrafted. The surveys tell you that the number one thing today’s youth culture is looking for in a youth group, bar none, is a warm, inviting atmosphere.”

3. Wait for the right leadership before starting new programs. “I made the mistake of trying to implement a lot of new programs with the students before I had adequate leadership for them,” Covington-Taylor admits. “I ended up getting ministries going when I had the energy and I was all excited, but then when I started getting tired and worn out, the ministries were still there.”

4. Get your students involved in outreach. Mayo says, “Focus on strategic outreach about once every 6 to 8 weeks. Start promoting probably 3 weeks out.”

5. Light a missions fire in your students. “Take your youth group on a missions trip at least once a year,” Covington-Taylor advises.

6. Recognize your students’ gifts and help them become leaders. “I am having my first generation of 18- to 19-year-olds who want to be leaders. I am trying to train them and give them responsibilities,” Baez states. In the beginning, he did not have any leaders. Now he has four students who have stepped up, and the younger students see them as role models. Programs such as Bible Quiz (http://www.biblequiz.ag.org) or Fine Arts (http://www.faf.ag.org) are available to help your students discover their ministry gifts and become great leaders.

7. Look at your youth service through the eyes of a student. “Many times we want teenagers to invite their friends to our youth group, but they are embarrassed of the youth service,” Mayo says. “We are singing songs about being washed in the blood of the Lamb — that is, blood from an animal. I am not trying to water down my charismatic message, but we need to look at the words we choose as we present it. Occasionally, I rewrite phrases in worship choruses.”

8. Get to know the kids before you make any changes. “For long-term success when you are coming into an established youth group, it is essential to get to know the kids first before you come in with a lot of changes and rules,” Baez reveals.

9. Choose your battles. “I am a person of conviction and principle. I do not sweat the ‘gray issues’ or the small stuff. I choose what I go to war over,” remarks Mayo.

10. Work on building trust and relationships with your kids. John Keers says, “A lot of people think that kids do not want adult involvement, but what I have learned more than anything is that they do. So ask, How hard is it to sit around a campfire and cook hot dogs? We cannot go in and present the gospel until they trust us. Why should they listen to us if we are not listening to them?”

11. Determine when you need to be a coach and when you need to be a companion. Mayo describes coaching as happening when a youth minister serves as cheerleader, spiritual director, and pastor. The companion is a friend or buddy. “It is important to understand that there are times when you need to decide what you need to be to your kids,” says Mayo.

12. Do not be too idealistic. “Having a youth group is not like having a Chia pet,” Riddle says. “You do not just add a little water, in a day or so it starts to grow, and everything is how you dreamed it would be. This is where young youth pastors get weary, disenchanted, and feel like they have tapped themselves out.”

13. Keep your promises. “I never talked about an event that I was not sure was really going to happen, just because the kids in my group had so many promises broken to them,” Covington-Taylor says.

14. Love the kids more than you love yourself. Linda Keers believes “It is easier to build up young boys and girls, than to repair men and women. You have this time to invest in their lives. We need to take it seriously.”

15. Show your family they are a priority. “My kids knew that Jesus was first priority for me and Sam, and that Sam and I were each other’s second priority. [Our sons] came third, but they knew they were way above the ministry … [my sons] always won,” Mayo says.

16. Do not ignore the command to have a Sabbath day off. Covington-Taylor says, “If you are a single person, people will take advantage of the fact you do not have family commitments. You need to learn to say no and have boundaries.”

17. Pray your guts out. “Get a team to support your kids in intercession,” John Keers advises. “Find all those sweet little ladies in the church who just pour their hearts out to God, get close to them, and hook up with them because prayer support is all about warfare and that is the strategy.”

18. Seek out mentoring opportunities. “If you see a student that has potential as a leader, talk to and encourage him. Just listen to him, hear what is in his heart, empower and be an advocate for him,” Zaldivar says.

19. If you do not have a mentoring relationship, read a lot. “Because I was the first single female youth pastor in my district, I did not have a true mentor relationship with someone who knew exactly what I was going through,” Covington-Taylor explains. “It was up to me to really push to achieve spiritual growth.”

20. Make friends with your district youth director. Covington-Taylor agrees that her relationship with her DYD helped her adjust as the first woman youth pastor in her district. “I think our DYD set such an incredible tone that the youth pastors were really great to me. When we started planning camps, he asked me to speak in one of the morning chapels because he wanted the girls at camp to see a woman in youth ministry. Having that support made the difference.”

21. Plug into resources like Momentum and Youth Source. “Youth Source is a network of a thousand plus youth pastors who receive the CDs and the newsletters encouraging them in their personal lives and their youth ministry life,” Mayo says. Momentum is a leadership ministry that provides training, materials, and a monthly e-letter specifically geared for AG youth pastors.

22. Plan to regularly attend youth workers conferences. “You will get lots of new ideas and come back refreshed,” Covington-Taylor says. For information on the national Youth Ministries 2006 Youth Workers Conference go to http://youth.ag.org/nywc/.

23. Respect your pastor. “When our new pastor came in, he inherited us,” Baez says. “It was up to us to lift him up, respect his views, and work with him. Any problems that come up always stay between him and me.”

24. Be teachable and humble. Covington-Taylor reminds youth pastors, “If you are going to have a good relationship with your senior pastor, having a teachable, humble spirit is essential.”

25. Communicate with your senior pastor and associates. “I know seniors and associates are extremely busy, but communicating vision, ministry goals, struggles, and simply spending time with each other is important,” Zaldivar says.

26. Think long-term. Riddle says, “Over the years there is enough lack of continuity in students’ lives, that, if at all possible, in God’s will, they will end with the same youth pastor they started with. They need something consistent, someone they can count on to be there for those incredibly formative years.”

27. Leaving? Set a time and honor the commitment. Covington-Taylor reflects, “I know for me it was 3 years. When the end of that time was approaching, I started praying. I told the pastor when I interviewed that I had a call to missions.” When she felt God was releasing her to go, Covington-Taylor started talking about her missions call with her students. “I did not talk about it before that time because I did not want them to feel like I was here and already talking about leaving them.”

28. Learn to grow leaders so the ministry will stay in tact, even if you move on. “When I left Rockford I had a group of 1,000 kids in that 13 years. But I had told them I had been preparing for my exit the day I entered,” Mayo admits. “Because of that, you are going to be great. And they were.” Mayo attributes the smooth transition to having the small-group leaders, who were the real youth pastors, in place for the kids.

(exerpt from article "Life In The Youth Hall: Perspectives In Youth Ministry"
By Amber Weigand-Buckley)

Field Trip to Cambodia

2008-02-11T16:14:00.000+08:00

(silhouette of Angkor's distinctively shaped towers)
Location: Siem Reap - Angkor Wat, Cambodia

Angkor Wat is surrounded by a moat and an exterior wall measuring 1300meters x 1500 meters. The walls of the temple are covered inside and out with bas-reliefs and carvings. Nearly 2000 distinctively rendered apsara carvings adorn the walls throughtout the temple and represent some of the finest examples of apsara carvings in Angkorian era art.

Photo taken from - Canon 400D/Canon lens: 10-22mm/Tamron f/2.8 17-50mm/Cokin P Series Adaptor/P121L/P124 (Tobacco)

more field trip photos - http://www.flickr.com/photos/wesleysng/2253734119/in/set-72157603878966294/

Several unique features in the Gospel of John

2008-02-08T01:31:00.000+08:00

Firstly, there are no parables in the Gospel of John. There is no mention of any biographical or historical reference to Jesus’ birth, his childhood, his temptation, the transfiguration or the agony in the garden of Gethsemane.

Secondly, John records seven signs, five of which are not recorded elsewhere:

Turning water into wine (2:1-11)* –Master over Quality
Healing the nobleman’s son (4:46-54)* – Master over Distance
Healing of the lame man (5:1-18)* – Master over Time
Feeding the five thousand (6:1-15) – Master over Quantity
Walking on water (6:16-21)* – Master over Misfortune
Raising of Lazarus (11:1-57)* – Master over Death

Thirdly, John records Seven Discourses:

New Birth (3:1-36)
Water of life (4:1-42)
Divine Son (5:19-47)
Bread of life (6:22-66)
Life-giving Spirit (7:1-52)
Light of the World (8:12-59)
Good shepherd (10:1-42)

Fourthly, John records the seven “I am” statements:

I am the Bread of Life (6:35)
I am the Light of the World (8:12)
I am the Gate for the sheep (10:7)
I am the Good Shepherd ( 10:11,14)
I am the Resurrection and the Life (11:25)
I am the Way and the Truth and the Life (14:6)
I am the True Vine (15:1)

Finally, Nine (John 13-21) out of 21 chapters in John are devoted to the final hours and weeks of the life of Jesus, showing us the importance of His Death and Resurrection.

best way to remember setting!

2008-02-08T01:28:00.000+08:00

Happy CNY :D

2008-02-08T01:23:00.000+08:00

Blessed CNY =D (image from ppl who send me from facebook)

A New Year...A Fresh Start

2008-01-24T10:13:00.000+08:00

Message for the Youth and Coaches in 2008:

Ants. You have seen them scurrying around. Their enthusiasm and bundles of energy are desirable; their unity and strength are extraordinary.

Youths. They come in all shapes and sizes. In some ways, they can be likened to ants. Youth have plenty of energy and excitement. When they come together on Friday (or Saturday for JUMP) and holiday programs, our church compound is filled with noise, laughter and sometimes broken windows and chairs. Our past year with them has certainly been energised by their boundless energy.

It is at this age that youths are searching for their personal identity; dare to dream dreams and desire to explore new adventures… However, it is also at this age that youth are the most vulnerable to peer pressure, negative influence, temptation, substance abuse and suicidal thoughts.

Therefore, in Glory Presbyterian Church, Youth Fellowship is important to us. It’s my prayer that our youth in Glory will desire to live their days of their youth for God’s glory. Therefore, as a coach you play an important role in spiritual mentoring and modelling to influence and coach youth for His glory. May our great God empower you as you serve him in making transformed youth in Christ for His glory.

YF Camp 2007

2007-11-17T00:23:00.000+08:00

Son of God, Son of Man

2007-11-04T01:53:00.000+08:00

Like the Father, Jesus is God. He always was, always is, and always will be. But unlike the Father, Jesus is also a human being. Though charged with blasphemy and crucified for claiming to be one with the Father, Jesus' resurrection validates his claims to be God's Son in a unique way. When we confess our belief that Jesus is the Son of God, we share in the love the Father has for the Son, becoming adopted children of God.

Though Jesus was the Son of God, he was also the Son of Man, a title that emphasises both his lowliness and his eventual dominion. Near the end of his life, when the high priest asked him whether he was the Son of God, Jesus no longer avoided the title but said that he would one day "see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven" (Matt 26:64). When you pray to Jesus as Son of God and Son of Man, you are praying to the One who is your Brother and your Lord.

(exracted from "Praying the Names of Jesus" by Ann Spangler

Small things are very big in Wisdom

2007-10-17T18:34:00.000+08:00

Dolichopodid fly

A Yellow Dragonfly

Fly with a golden face

Small things are very big in wisdom:

24 “Four things on earth are small,
yet they are extremely wise:
25 Ants are creatures of little strength,
yet they store up their food in the summer;
26 coneys are creatures of
little power,
yet they make their home in the crags;
27 locusts have no king,
yet they advance together in ranks;
28 a lizard can be caught with the hand,
yet it is found in kings’ palaces. (Prov 30:24-28)

The ants are wise to prepare, the badgers to protect, the locusts to cooperate, and the spiders to get into the best places and hold on. Good examples for you to follow!

Tha Ant & The Glasshopper

2007-10-17T18:26:00.000+08:00

The mother of a nine-year-old boy named Mark received a phone call from her son’s school teacher. "Mrs. Koh, something unusual happened today in your son’s class. Your son did something that surprised me so much that I thought you should know about it immediately." By then Mrs Koh was getting worried, which parent wouldn’t. The teacher continued, "Nothing like this has happened in all my years of teaching. This morning I was teaching a lesson on creative writing. And as I always do, I tell the story of the ant and the grasshopper: The ant works hard all summer and stores up plenty of food. But the grasshopper plays all summer and does no work." "Then winter comes. The grasshopper begins to starve because he has no food. So he begs, Please Mr. Ant, you have so much food. Please let me eat, too." Then I say, "Boys and girls, your assignment is to write the end of the story." Your son, Mark, raised his hand: ’Teacher, may I draw a picture?’ "Well, yes, Mark, if you like, you may draw a picture. But first you must write the ending to the story." "In my years of teaching, most of the students said the ant shared his food through the winter, and both the ant and the grasshopper lived. A few children wrote, ’No, Mr. Grasshopper. You should have worked in the summer. Now, I have just enough food for myself.’ So the ant lived and the grasshopper died." "But your son ended the story in a way different from any other child, ever. He wrote, "So the ant gave all of his food to the grasshopper; and the grasshopper lived through the winter. But the ant died." And the picture he drew at the bottom of the page was three crosses.

It seems to me that this nine year old boy has clearly understood the meaning of salvation. With his childlike faith he could even express it in his creative writing assignment!

Is it the Esplanade?

2007-09-21T12:52:00.000+08:00

Someone says that the eyes look like our Singapore "Esplanade". What do you think?
Managed to shoot a fly blowing bubble at me...no wonder we get stomach upset so easily...
see more macro fly photos here http://www.flickr.com/photos/wesleysng/sets/72157602044416648/

A Well Rested Soul

2007-09-21T12:50:00.000+08:00

In this rushing world we sometimes need to just step out of activities and re-examine our lives, our goals and where we are heading. There are times that we need to reflect on who we are, and how special we are in the eyes of God. Some of us here are very busy serving and multi-tasking. But it is my prayer that you will not be caught up serving and serving and neglecting just being and enjoying your rest in God. If over commitment is robbing you of finding rest in the Lord, then you need to evaluate if you have to let go of an area. A well rested soul gives birth to true joy in the Lord that in turn will be radiated in your lives.

If we neglect time in our lives for ourselves or for others it would affect the quality of the time we spend on fellowship with others. However if we neglect to make time in our lives for God it will affect our quality of life for eternity. So finding time to rest in the Lord must be high in our priorities.

Meeting Miss Spider & Mr Fly

2007-08-31T17:32:00.000+08:00

I went to Little GuiLin this morning together with my Sons - Barnabas & Elijah. Over there, we saw Miss Spider & Mr Fly and some of their friends. My sons was very excited to meet a Miss Four-Eyes Spider! (First time in their life, they see a four-eyes creature). Anyway, took a few close up micro-shot for your viewing.

Meeting Miss Grasshopper

2007-08-29T10:56:00.000+08:00

What will you do when you meet face to face with Miss Grasshopper? You take a picture for her! That was what I did during my Tree-Top walk with the youth group. She was very co-operative in allowing me to take many shots of her in different angle. She did not jump out of the leaf nor did she move. With the powerful built-in flash of my Canon 400D camera and the Canon 100mm Marco len, she was not affected at all. Like a celebrity, she just enjoyed the clamours moment of the photo-shoot. I was glad and happy to be the photographer for her.

Check out more photo-shoot of her here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/wesleysng/sets/72157601700043701/

Purpose in life?

2007-08-28T10:06:00.000+08:00

A truck driver was transporting a load of 500 penguins to the zoo. Unfortunately, his truck broke down. He waved down another truck and offered the driver $500 to take the penguins to the zoo.The next day the first truck driver got his truck fixed and drove into town and couldn’t believe his eyes! Just ahead of him he saw the second truck driver crossing the road with the 500 penguins moving in a single file behind him. He jumped out of his truck, ran up to the guy and said, “What’s going on? I gave you $500 to take these penguins to the zoo!” The second truck driver responded, “I did take them to the zoo. But I had enough money left over so now we are now going to the movies.” That guy did not fully understand what he was supposed to be doing.

Likewise, some of us believers today also are unclear about our purpose in life. Maybe we are so busy living and doing, doing and living, living and doing again that we have lost sight of God’s purpose of our existence? (illustration from Sermon - 24hrs or 25hrs?)

Terence Look alikes?

2007-08-06T21:33:00.001+08:00

Terence Look alike?
Originally uploaded by Wesley S

We had a farewell gathering at Terence's place. Guess who look like Terence?
=)

Meaningful Youth Sunday Service

2007-07-20T14:54:00.000+08:00

We praised God for a meaningful Youth Sunday Service. This year we got the youth mostly those involved in the Friday YF & Saturday JUMP to serve in the various areas ie. Music, worship, ushering, pa, mtv, etc for all three services. Different teams took different services thus allowing maximum participation in service. The topic “On the Brink” was their request to address the heartfelt needs of the current youth. We thanked God for the many who have rededicated their lives on that day.

This year we moved the YF anniversary celebration to the following Friday to allow for a more reflective meeting. We thanked God for raising among the youth a team of zealous youth coaches who faithfully meet, pray and plan on how they could encourage the youth as they grow together in the Lord. We thanked God for the 40-50 youth who faithfully attend the YF every Friday be it rain of shine as they recognise the need to come make the extra effort to meet together as Christian brothers and sisters. We saw how some of them have grown to become youth leaders used by God. We also thanked God more than 30 of the older youth who meet on alt Saturday (JUMP) to discuss practical Christianity ie. Relationship, sexual purity, etc.

This month the YF conducted two special Sunday meetings during the senior Sunday school timeslot to bridge with the youth in SS who do not attend YF. We continue to trust the Lord to move the hearts of more youth to see the need to make an extra effort to join the Friday meetings.

Mike Yaconelli on Youth Ministry

2007-07-19T03:25:00.000+08:00

An encouraging and inspiring speech by Youth Pastor, Mike Yaconelli. All Youth worker out there, this is a MUST to watch!

How can free will exist with divine preordination?

2007-07-17T02:20:00.000+08:00

The person who asked this question probably refers “pre-ordination” as a noun - “Predestination”. - "So how can free will exist with divine predestination?"

Answer:

God's omnipotence is his absolute power and strength. When we say that God is omnipotent, we mean that he is so powerful that he can do anything -- he has infinite power. When we say that he is sovereign, we mean not only that he has such power, but also that he has the right to exercise that power in any manner he sees fit. Now, when we say that God has infinite power, we do not mean that God has not delegated some responsibilities, rights and powers to other beings. Nor do we mean that no other beings have any power of any sort. Rather, God has chosen to exercise his sovereignty by granting certain freedoms and powers to his creatures.

In his sovereignty, God has created men with souls and bodies, with minds and emotions, and with powers and freedoms associated with these. For example, human beings have the power to do physical things like eat and walk. They depend upon God's delegation of power to them so that they may do these things, but nevertheless human beings do themselves possess this delegated power, and their possession of this power does not limit God's power.

In the same way, human beings have wills that want, choose and decide (such as wanting and deciding to eat, or choosing what to eat). People are able to do these things because God has delegated them the appropriate abilities and freedoms. By delegating these powers and freedoms to his creatures, God does not himself become less powerful or less sovereign -- he is still infinitely powerful and sovereign, even over those things which he has delegated. Instead, he exercises his own power and sovereignty to create, delegate and bestow, and retains ultimate power and sovereignty even in those things which he has delegated to others. Traditionally, Reformed theologians have referred to this as the idea of "second causes" or "means." That is, God exercises his power to accomplish his will by allowing other parts of his creation to act according to the limited powers he has delegated to them.

We might compare this delegation to a military general who delegates to a private under his command the right to decide which entre to eat for dinner. The general still has the right to tell the private what to eat, and if he does the private cannot respond by saying, "No general, you no longer have the authority to tell me what to eat -- you delegated that authority to me." Man's delegated authority is infererior to and subject to God's authority. Since it does not threaten God's sovereignty to allow men to exercise their wills according to their own natures, Reformed theologians like Jonathan Edwards have not erred to state that man has free will. But notice that Reformed theologians mean something very different by the term "free will" than do others. A person has "free will" only in the sense that God allows him to will and to choose without compulsion from an outside source. His will is not free, however, to will or to choose anything.

For example, fallen man wants and desires only sin when he considers the things of God. It is against his nature to believe and receive the gospel. His will is enslaved to sin, unable to choose the good. Nevertheless, his will is still free insofar as neither God nor anyone else forces fallen man what to believe or what to will. It is only the freedom or power of "contrary choice" (the power to choose what is against one's nature, as if man were not enslaved by sin) that Reformed theology denies.

Ultimately, Reformed theology asserts God's sovereignty in predestination for two basic reasons related to your comments: 1) the Bible directly teaches the doctrine; 2) fallen man has been so corrupted by sin that he cannot freely choose to receive the gospel. It does not see in free will of either type a necessary challenge to God's sovereignty or omnipotence.

Does praying for people after they die make a difference?

2007-07-17T01:23:00.000+08:00

Praying for people after they die does not make a difference with regard to their eternal state.

The Bible gives us no indication that they have an opportunity to repent after they die; it suggests that they go straight to the judgment (Heb. 9:27).

It also teaches us that those who do not have the gospel have no hope of being saved (e.g., Rom. 10:13ff.; Eph. 2:12). If they had an opportunity to repent and be saved after death, then they would still have some hope, even without hearing the gospel in this life.

We also have the story or parable of Lazarus and Dives (Luke 16:19-31). Some scholars argue that this story is based on Jewish mythology and therefore does not reflect the actual state of existence after death. Others argue that it is not a parable at all but a true account, for reasons such as the fact that the characters in the Jesus' other parables are not named, except for those that are actual and immediately recognizable (like God, the devil, etc.). As I see it, it is generally the case, with only this one possible exception, that Jesus' parables are true to life. Therefore, I see no reason that we should assume that this story is based on a false cosmology or an incorrect idea of the afterlife. Assuming that it is faithful to reality, then it demonstrates that no opportunity to repent exists after death. Dives suffers in Hades and asks Abraham to send a preacher to his brothers. Dives does not recognize any hope for himself, nor does Abraham. On the contrary, Abraham confirms that Dives is now doomed to suffer his just deserts. But even it if is not absolutely faithful to reality, the parable still depends to some degree on the gospel message being urgent, available in this life only.

If an opportunity to repent existed after death, after we had already come to see firsthand the reality of the Bible's message, then it could hardly be said that Scripture itself is the most compelling gospel message of all. But the parable teaches that Scripture is the ultimate witness.

I would also point out that throughout Scripture the gospel message is presented as being urgent. If hope remained after death, this urgency would be severely blunted. We would expect someone somewhere to say something like, "But if they don't believe your message now, they may come to believe it when they die. Therefore, pray for them."

Prayers are encouraged for everyone else, so the omission of prayers for the dead would be odd, if such were valid. Instead, what we find are situations like David ceasing to pray for his son once his son had died (2 Sam. 12).Generally, prayers for the dead are offered in the context of a Roman Catholic understanding of purgatory, where intercessory prayers for the dead can reduce their time in purgatory. Since I don't believe in purgatory, I do not see this as a possible validation for prayers for the dead.That being said, it is still possible that prayers for the dead might have another effect. For example, some people in the Bible were raised from the dead. I would not say that we should expect this to be normative in our day. Nevertheless, a prayer that someone be returned from the dead is not without biblical warrant.

answer by Ra McLaughlin

Why not an execution? "For the wages of sin is death" But why death in the most brutal way?

2007-07-17T01:08:00.000+08:00

Question:

Why not an execution? "For the wages of sin is death" But why death in the most brutal way? Dying from a sword stroke and dying from crucifixion is both death.

Answer:

In answer to why did he have to die in the most barbaric and cruel fashion rather than just going through a quick death for His people, the short answer is He didn’t need to, but He chose too. Why? For at least two reasons:

1) One is again, because God is jealous for His own glory. Through God being willing to humble himself, to allow Himself to be killed in such a barbaric and cruel fashion to save us, demonstrates that much more His self-giving nature through this act of love for us, and thus His glory (the beauty of His perfect character and attributes) is revealed that much clearer.

2) The second reason is related to the first but from a different angle. (Note: everything God does is related to promoting His own glory in one way or another). That is from the angle of obedience. Jesus as a man was our representative, but he wasn’t our first representative. Our first representative was Adam, and because he represented us (the whole human race after him) we inherited the guilt of Adams disobedience. Adam remained in right relationship with his Holy, Creator God as long as he remained sinless, but when he sinned he broke the relationship he had with God, for God is Holy and can not condone or be a part of sin.

Rather than God lowering His own perfect standards (which He could not do without ceasing to be God as He has always been), God made a way to make us sinless again, through another representative. This representative have to be a human, for humans owed both, 1) perfect obedience and trust to God as well as 2) the debt of justice for disobedience and distrust to God. In Romans 5:14 we see that “Adam was a type of Him who was to come” (Jesus). And in 1 Corinthians 15:45 Jesus is called “the Last Adam”.

Just as a side note: This is why Jesus as our redeemer needed to become fully human (yet without sin). The fact that He is also fully divine makes His sacrifice and offering of ultimate worth / able to cleanse everyone who comes to him.

Back to the point of obedience now. Jesus was our representative as a human, fulfilling the role humans were created for, to remain like God (reflecting His image / glory) through trust in, and obedience to God. He did this throughout His entire life (Matthew 4:1-10, Hebrews 4:15), which He capped off with the final and ultimate act of humble obedience, submission to death on a barbaric, cruel and brutal cross (See Matthew 26:39, followed by Hebrews 5:7-9, and also Philippians 2:7-8). So while He could have just died a quick death, he submitted himself to a drawn out cruel death to exemplify and fulfill the obedience owed and due God by man on our behalf. The fact that He was willing to do this glorifies God all the more and demonstrates His love for us that much clearer.

Romans 5:7-8 7. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. 8. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Note of appreciation: Thank you Bro Karl for providing the answer!

If God is a God of love, why did he send his son to die in the most barbaric and cruel fashion?

2007-07-17T01:03:00.000+08:00

Answer:

By sending and allowing Jesus the son the die in the most barbaric and cruel fashion, God actually proved that He is in fact a God of love. To understand why this is so, we need to understand a few things from God’s perspective.

1) God did not need to create mankind at all. He was perfectly happy with himself, with perfect harmony and love being expressed between the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.

2) While it wasn’t necessary for God to create man or anything, it was very much like God to do so, because He is a God of giving, sharing, and love, as well as a God of creativity.

3) Because God is the most valuable / worthy being in existence, and He rightly gives honor where honor is due, therefore His highest priority and ultimate will behind everything He does is first and foremost to show forth and demonstrate / honor His own glory (the beauty of His perfect character and attributes). (See 1 Chronicles 16:24,29; Psalm 8:1; Isaiah 42:8, 43:6-7, 48:12 etc…).

4) While all of His creation points to or reflects something of its creator (Psalm 19:1), mankind was uniquely made in “the image of God” (Gen.1:26-27) to reflect / demonstrate / show forth what God is like / His glory.

5) While man has marred the image of God through our own choice of sin (rebellion against God), nevertheless, we still bare his image in a blurry kind of way, and God’s plan is to restore the clearness of that image, so that He can be seen much more fully for who He truly is and thus His glory is revealed that much more fully. (See Romans 3:23; 2 Corinthian 3:18; Romans 8:29-30).

6) If God was to save / redeem us to himself, it was necessary that the basis of that relationship with a holy God be established. That basis is that we ourselves need to be holy, and since we are not holy, Jesus needed to come to make us so. (See Romans 3:21-26 and also the answer to question three below for more info on how God now recon us righteous / holy).

7) This was God’s plan from the beginning, even before He made the world and any people. (See Acts 2:23; Luke 24:44-47; 1 Peter 1:20; Revelation 13:8).

8) We must also realize that the decision for Jesus to come to earth to suffer and die for our sins was an agreement between the Father, Son and Spirit, ahead of time, therefore we should look at this as a demonstration not only of God the Fathers love, but of Jesus’ and the Holy Spirit’s love too.

Note of appreciation: Thank you Bro Karl for providing the answer!

Youth Ministry Training

2007-07-14T23:48:00.000+08:00

It is always so refreshing to attend Youth Ministry Training. I guess it is a time where i can be recharged at the same time to connect with the youth workers and pastors and volunteers from other churches. One important fundamental of Youth ministry according to Kurt's formula is: Youth (Junior Youth) + Caring Adult = Good Stuff. The three days conference, gave me an opportunity to learn about building leaders through experiential learning, a look at some of the things that make Junior High ministry unique and successful, Some ways to create a fun, attractive ministry and creating spiritual growth opportunities in the ministry. I apreciated the teaching of Pamela, Kurt Johnson, Steve Emery & Dr Koh and not forgeting Max as well. =)

Tessa's Farewell Party

2007-07-05T08:47:00.001+08:00

6632
Originally uploaded by Wesley S

We will miss Tessa as she leave us to pursue her studies abroad. We thank God for her friendship and love to us and the YF. May the Lord bless and guide her. Do continue to keep in touch!

The Westminster Confession of Faith: Chapter XI - Of Free Will

2007-07-03T10:58:00.000+08:00

1) God hath endued the will of man with that natural liberty, that it is neither forced, nor by any absolute necessity of nature determined to good or evil.

2)Man, in his state of innocency, had freedom and power to will and to do that which is good and well-pleasing to God; but yet mutably, so that he might fall from it.

3)Man, by his Fall into a state of sin, hath wholly lost all ability of will to any spiritual good accompanying salvation; so as a natural man, being altogether averse from that good, and dead in sin, is not able, by his own strength, to convert himself, or to prepare himself thereunto.

4)When God converteth a sinner and translateth him into the state of grace, he freeth him from his natural bondage under sin, and, by his grace alone, enableth him freely to will and to do that which is spiritually good; yet so as that, by reason of his remaining corruption, he doth not perfectly, nor only, will that which is good, but doth also will that which is evil.

5)The will of man is made perfectly and immutable free to good alone, in the state of glory only.

Note: we long for the day when our wills will be free to please God completely in a state of eternal glory.

Youth Sunday Photos

2007-07-02T15:02:00.000+08:00

Hello, the Youth Sunday Photos can be found at our church photos gallery.
Just in case: http://www.glorypresbyterian.net/gallery/main.php?g2_itemId=7095

Youth On the Brink

2007-07-01T02:50:00.001+08:00

Youth Sunday Sermon short clip - "Youth On the Brink"
They have make a choice, have you?

Youth Sunday Music Video

2007-07-01T02:42:00.000+08:00

Youth Sunday Music Video 2007 =P

Short Clip of the Church Camp Video 2007

2007-06-27T16:45:00.000+08:00

Hello people, finally the camp video is done.
Bad News: YouTube only allow less than 10 mins video (Actual video is 17mins!)
Good News: All family unit who attended the camp will get a DVD copy of it plus DVD photos - FREE!

So meanwhile, enjoy the short clip:

Church Camp Group Photo

2007-06-24T02:41:00.001+08:00

Church Camp Group Photo
Originally uploaded by Wesley S

We enjoyed God's blessing, spiritual refreshment and fellowship through the church camp 2007!

Flower

2007-06-24T02:30:00.001+08:00

IMG_3976
Originally uploaded by Wesley S

Photo taken at Bishan Park (AV=f8, ISO=400)

Photo Image: PHPPS

2007-06-24T02:28:00.001+08:00

IMG_4617
Originally uploaded by Wesley S

Photo taken just after the rain in church. The sun about to set...note the sunlight...=P

Canon 400D TV commercial V (Hong Kong)

2007-06-22T17:02:00.001+08:00

Canon 400D TV commercial IV (Hong Kong)

2007-06-22T17:00:00.000+08:00

EOS 400D - Welcome to the Playground -Part 1

2007-06-22T16:59:00.000+08:00

Canon 400D TV commercial III (Korean)

2007-06-22T16:56:00.001+08:00

Canon 400D TV commercial II (Hero Style)

2007-06-22T16:50:00.001+08:00