I hope you have been reading the bible and I want to encourage you to read the Word and try to finish the bible in a year. Over the years I’ve read different versions of the bible, and I can assure you that it will bring a lot of faith and life to you – faith comes by hearing the Word of God. Last year, I finished the Message bible – a gift from my ex-CG members for my birthday. Also, there are many bible reading programs available online that you may wish to use to help you get organized.

I’m currently using this “6 month bible reading program” which takes me to halfway done with the Amplified Bible on my ipad hehe. I find a bible reading program helps me stay focused on completing the reading in time. I encourage you to do the same.

But more than just reading the bible, we also need to have a method to study it in depth – to slowly chew on the meat and get its juice and texture, and not just drink it like milk (reading).

We need to depend on the Holy Spirit – you see, God can choose fishermen to write the gospels and epistles. Understanding the bible has nothing to do with education – its got to do with desire and hunger. And graduating from bible school does not mean one knows how to interpret or study the bible.

The bible says in Rev 1:3 – “blessed is he who reads”

Although the context of this verse is for the book of Revelation, the principle is the same throughout the bible because the Bible is one big prophesy linked together from the old to New Testament.

The Old reveals the New, and the New confirms the Old.

Heb 4:12-13 says “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.”

Spending time in the Word makes you discerning – you will know what is of God, of flesh and of Spirit.

Prov 4:22 says God’s word is health (Heb: Medicine) for all our flesh

Paul said to Timothy in 2 Tim 3:14-17

“But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work”

Jesus personally used the word of God against the temptations of Satan. You need to understand that the written Word is above the prophetic word. What the Word of God says supersedes the words of a “prophet”, especially those who prophesy to make you do their bidding, or call themselves prophets with a hidden motive. That’s why the bible encourages us in 1 Jn 4:1-3:

“Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world.”

And we cannot just blindly listen to everything that comes into our ears and allow it into our hearts without consideration. The Berean Jews were an example of people who were very careful. It says in Acts 17:11

“Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.”

One of the ways a false prophet or preacher misrepresent the word is to just quote a verse and ignore the entire context of the Word. It happens commonly today. Many preachers pick a verse, and then preach anything they want – from management dogma to plainly trying to get the members to submit under their control and manipulation. Be very careful. When interpreting the bible, always check context.

Miles Coverdale, the first man to translate the Latin and German bible into English called the “Coverdale Bible”, said this:

“It shall greatly help ye to understand the Scriptures if thou mark not only what is spoken or written, but of whom and to whom, with what words, at what time, where, to what intent, with what circumstances, considering what goeth before and what followeth after.”

“goeth before and what followeth after” refers to the context.

Context is important. Always refer to a verse in its context. Not everything refers to you the believer, especially when some people cherry pick verses for their own use without regard for context or blatantly misrepresenting the context of the Word. It can happen in an offering message (taking a verse out of context – e.g. “I will not give to God something which cost me nothing”), in “discipleship” (limiting context of the Word to solely quantity and not the fruit of the Spirit), in getting you to bring more friends to church (citing the story of Jesus cursing the fig tree), etc.

For example, in Matt 24, Jesus talks about the end times. We may think that everything there refers to what will happen to us. But the context of the verse is that it is primarily talking to the Jews – and you (if you’re like me a Chinese), are not a Jew!

Matt 24:21:

“So when you see standing in the holy place ‘the abomination that causes desolation,’ (the anti-christ) spoken of through the prophet Daniel—let the reader understand—then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. Let no one on the housetop go down to take anything out of the house. Let no one in the field go back to get their cloak. How dreadful it will be in those days for pregnant women and nursing mothers! Pray that your flight will not take place in winter or on the Sabbath. For then there will be great distress, unequaled from the beginning of the world until now—and never to be equaled again.”

If we cross reference this to Daniel, we’ll see that the Jews were called to “flee to the wilderness and the mountains of Petra” – cheekily, its not our context. We have Bukit Ho Swee, Bukit Timah and the most sanctified Bukit Merah (”Merah” (Malay): Red – covered by the blood :p).

The context is important because Matthew 24 comes before Matt 25:1 – “At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. ² Five of them were foolish and five were wise”

We often interpret the 10 virgins as the non-jewish church (us). If we interpret it this way, half the church is raptured and half left behind!!!! Then those who are pessimistic will think they’ll be left behind.

We got to be accurate. Find out who its written to, spoken to, under what circumstances.

We need to understand that although the entire bible is written for our benefit, not the whole bible is written TO us!

E.g. Paul’s letters are all written TO US – the church.

So we can take everything Paul says in the epistles because it is to the church – very clearly spelt out.

But some things that God said in the Old Testament are spoken to the Jews, which we may also benefit us as a “third party hearer”. Certain parts of it can encourage us – apply it! But we still need to be careful because in some parts of the OT contains specifics which are not meant for us but for the Jews.

In those parts which contain a curse or a warning or anything adverse, we need to be very careful of the context – who is it for. If it is general, then take it as a warning. If it is to a specific audience, then be careful.

And we really need to be careful, especially when someone uses it on you with an intention to misrepresent to manipulate. It brings bondage, fear and condemnation.

Well, so this is an introduction to what I’m gonna write about more.

I hope you start reading the Word if you have not, and for those who started, I like to encourage you to study the Word deeper in its context.

Remember to check out those free bible reading programs no the internet!

Since I now no longer attend cell groups, I thought it’ll be good to do some bible study to keep my sword sharp kekeke. And this study has blessed my life and re-aligned my focus on Him to carry and live out the fullness of Jesus once again. Just wanna share with all and hope you find this a blessing.

Read Rev 6:1-8

In  Rev 6, John saw 7 seals. The first 4 revealed 4 different horsemen on 4 different colored horses (white, red, black, pale).

The Significance of Seals

Seals can be an entity or spirit being. When we are saved, we are saved by the blood of Jesus and sealed with the Holy Spirit. Demons see the seal of the Holy Spirit in our lives and flee – they cannot touch us. We are sealed with the HS!

If you belong to Jesus, you are sealed with the Holy Spirit. You are the temple and He lives in you.

And so long as there’s an evil seal over our lives, we cannot enjoy our inheritance. Jesus came to remove it for us and set us free!

The 4 Horsemen in Rev 6:1-8

The four horsemen in the book of Revelation bring false doctrines, war, death, famine to mankind. They are really BAD NEWS!

1^st Seal

Rev 6:1-2 gives us the 1^st Horseman. He rides on a white horse, carrying a bow and wore a crown on his head. In the bible, only Jesus rode on a white horse – in the second coming.

The first horseman represents false doctrine. Long before bad things can happen to us in our lives, there must be false doctrines, false teaching and false believing. When you believe wrong, things become wrong.

Right believing produces right living: Right believing comes when we unveil Jesus to the people – who He is, what He done, etc

2^nd Seal

Rev 6:3-4 gives us the 2^nd horseman. He rides a red horse, carrying a great sword that brings war and terror into earth. Peace is taken away – people live lives in fear.

Obviously, this is a sign of the works of evil spirits. You need to use the name of Jesus to overcome evil spirits everywhere you go.

As a child of God, you are not the one to fear. You are sealed with the HS!

3^rd Seal

Rev 6:5-6 gives us the 3^rd horseman. He rides on a black horse holding a pair of scales. Scales (Gk zugón) represents yoke, and in this context, scarcity and lack.

Verse 6 says that “a quart of wheat is sold for a denarius and 3 quarts of barley for a denarius (a Denarius is the ancient Roman currency representing a full day’s wage)”. This means that the economic situation must be very bad – to have wheat and barley – common commodities costing such exorbitant prices. The only possible situation this can happen today is in a situation of famine and lack. Today we see commodity prices rising due to crop failures brought about by global warming causing prices to soar. Economic instability and market volatility – a sign of the times?

4^th Seal

Rev 6:7-8 gives us the 4^th horseman. His name is death and he rides a pale horse. Hades followed him. He was given power to kill with the sword, with hunger, with death and by the “beasts of the earth”.

“beast of the earth” is a diminutive term used to represent “very small” organisms – germs and virus? E.g. SARS, bio-chemical?

These 4 horsemen will be out to wreck havoc in lives.

The 4 Living Creatures

In Rev 4:6-7, John saw 4 Living Creatures:

Lion, Calf, the Face of a Man, Flying Eagle.

These 4 creatures speak of the 4 faces of Jesus, in the order of the 4 gospels:

Matthew – this book typifies Jesus as King of Jews (picture of Lion)

Mark – this book typifies Jesus laboring untiringly serving (healing sick, washing disciples’ feet, etc) like an Ox (picture of Calf)

Luke – this book typifies Jesus as Man (often seen in Luke, the term “son of man”) (Picture of face of man)

John – this book typifies Jesus as Son of God from heaven (picture of Eagle)

2 of the 4 gospels have mentioned Jesus’ genealogy – Matthew (purpose was to certify His kingship – Jesus is from the line of David), and Luke (certifies his “human form” – the author of this gospel writes His genealogy going all the way back to Adam).

The gospel of Mark typifies Jesus as servant, hence no genealogy – you don’t ask a servant for his genealogy). And the gospel of John typifies Jesus as God – hence there is no ancestral line depicted by a genealogy – because He is God (Jn 1: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God).

The Fullness of Jesus Christ

The Fullness of Christ is found in the prophetic vision of the Eagle, the untiring labour of an Ox, the intelligence of a man, and the boldness of a lion. We need to put on these 4 faces in our lives. It represents the fullness of Christ!

How the Children of Israel Set Camp

This is very interesting!

Numbers 2 speaks of how God wants the Israeli tribes to camp.

It is divided into 4 sections – East, West, North and South, each with 3 tribes and carrying the standard (banner) of each of the leader – Judah (Lion), Dan (Eagle), Reuben (Man), Ephraim (Ox).  This is according to what was written by the Hebrew scholar, Keil-Delitzsh :

“According to Rabbinical tradition, the standard (banner) of Judah bore the figure of the lion, that of Reuben (south side) the likeness of man or a man’s head, that of Ephraim (west side) the figure of an ox, and that of Dan (north side) the figure of an eagle”

The priests and the tabernacle of God reside in the center of the formation:

Ezekiel’s vision of God

In Ezekiel 1:10, Ezekiel saw the 4 faces of God, which is really the picture of Jesus.

In Num 2:1-2, God wants his people to camp facing the tabernacle.

How we should conduct our lives today to protect ourselves from the 4 winds/horsemen

It means that God wants your entire life – your career, ministry, children etc – everything you do to face Jesus, to revolve around Jesus. This means that the church is not peripheral to the world. The world is peripheral to the church!

Matt 6:33 – “seek first the Kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added unto you”

Everything we do should be facing and have the focus on God! Our backs are to face the world so that God’s blessings can overtake us from behind!

The Israelites have all their camps face inwards to God’s dwelling place. Their backs are exposed to potential enemies. However, it was never recorded in the bible that when Israel camped in this way, they were attacked. God protected them! Because whenever we focus on Jesus, He takes care of our back. But if we turn our focus to the world, our back is facing the tabernacle and God cannot protect us.

Here’s how it looks from Ezekiel 1:10. Notice how the enemy’s attack on each side is well guarded by a face of God.

In Genesis, when God asked Moses to go to Pharaoh, God told Moses to throw down his staff – it turns into a snake. Then He asked Moses to catch the tail (normally snake catchers catch the head and not tail so that the snake cannot turn and bite).

In this case, Moses caught the tail, so that God can take care of the snake’s head – He fights for us!

God says, plan everything of our life facing Jesus – putting priority on God.

The fullness of Jesus is around His people.

“as the mountains are around Jerusalem, the lord is around his people” – Ps 125

The Attack of The Enemies (The 4 Winds of Heaven)

The 4 horsemen were foretold in the book of Zechariah in the Old Testament –he saw them as chariots.

Zech 6:1-6 v5: there are 4 spirits (Hebrew word: winds)

Black horse – go toward the North Country

White horse – go toward the West Country

Pale (dappled) – go toward the south country

Red horse – go toward the east country

We are in the middle (the church) – recall the golden standing boards making up the house of God. We look toward the shekinah glory of God and we reflect His glory – we are to reflect God’s glory! Not some worldly success that forgot about God except to bring Him in to religion.

We are protected all around! The banners are raised and the horses flee! Nothing evil can come in to affect our lives. We are totally protected by Jesus, sealed by the HS!

How The Church Should Be

A church must always lift up the fullness of Jesus and not man’s name or accomplishment. That’s what drives away the devil! Every week in service, lift up the standards (raise the banners) of the fullness of Christ – the man, lion, ox and eagle.

When a church lift up Jesus instead of man’s success or works, we shine the fullness of Christ. Every time the devil comes and attack, he sees something like what Ezekiel sees in his vision, and we are safely hidden in the center, protected by the fullness of Christ! (that’s what it means “in Christ”!)

Jesus Dealt With The 4 Winds On The cross

He must have suffered the 4 winds in our place so that we can exchange and take His place of protection:

Prophetically, Jesus spoke about the 4 horsemen without talking about them – he sat on Mount of Olives in Matt 24:3-5:

Signs of His coming

First sign: False doctrine: Matt 24:5 (first horse) false teaching will be prevalent

Second sign: War: Matt 24:6 (second horse – red horse)

Third horse: Famine Matt 24:7a (third horse – black horse)

Fourth horse: Death Matt 24:7b (pestilences (diseases) and earthquakes)

Redemption of the body – dead in Christ will rise first

Focus on Jesus everyday! Raise Jesus high everyday! Songs 2:4

Matt 24:8 – beginning of tribulation – we will be raptured before it starts! Suggests pre-tribulation?

The blessings will come from behind and overtake you as you focus on Jesus and live in the fullness of Christ everyday!

What It Means To Me

All along, we have been lifting up man in our church services, forgetting that when we lift up the banners of Jesus, the devil cannot mount a successful attack on His church.

Seeing the love of Jesus through the Word greatly encouraged me. In the bible, Jesus desires for us to carry His fullness – of the man, lion, ox and eagle. He died so that by His blood, He has redeemed me and sent the HS to guide and protect me. I am loved by Jesus. And so are you.

It is amazing how everything was so clearly ”coded” in the  bible.

It shows me once again that nothing else I do is ever sufficient to “prove” my love for Him. His love for me greatly overtakes me and there is nothing else I can do except to receive His everlasting love for me.

Just felt that this Word will bless you, and I pray you will meditate on it.

Blessings.

Ronald

Notes taken from the sermon, “God’s Protection Plan Against The Four Horsemen Of The Apocalypse”, Pastor Joseph Prince, New Creation Church

Someone said that it is because music belongs to the realm of the 4th dimension. When we write, record, perform a song, it gets lodged in time and eternity forever! I’m no trained songwriter, but I find that when I pen my thoughts into songs, I often create a source of strength.

I find this to be very true. I was suffering from depression in 2006, and what took me out of it was a song I wrote “All I Ever Need“.

Here’s 2 songs I hope will do the same for  every City Harvest Church member. Indeed we are going through possibly the greatest challenge in the history of the church, but take heart. We are not a church of bricks and mortar, but a church of Jesus Christ. Hope these songs encourage you to continue to stand strong and be united with one another.

Breakthrough And Unite

Breakthrough And Unite

We are weak but you are strong
You are the victory that overcomes the world
This race is full of pains and trials
But in you we know all things are possible

We will trust in you
We will look to you

Nothings too hard when we lean on you
Strongholds come down when we praise you
We’ll calm the storms and see all things new
Together in one voice
We’ll make a joyful noise
We will breakthrough and unite

Together We Stand As One

Together We’ll Stand As One

Verse 1
You taught us love
You showed us light
You gave us hope
Made our dreams alive

Verse 2
How may we be thankful?
For all the works you do
We are more than grateful
And together we say to you

Chorus
United we’ll stand as one
Together we’ll pray as one
We’ll hold on to your hands as one
We’ll encourage the weaker ones
We’ve got a long race to run
Let our hearts be joined
Let our faith unite
Let’s build the Church of Jesus Christ
(Let’s run this race for Jesus Christ)

Thank you for taking time to share with us the word of God in our office. Your insight in bringing the word of God to practical applications really impacted my life.

I was in the insurance business and you first came to our agency in 2004 on a monthly basis to share with us the Word. I remembered the first message you shared in 2004, it was about how soul-winning and the insurance business are parallels, and why we should not despise our business but to excel in it. That 1-hour was very important in laying a strong foundation in my career as you gave me a purpose to conduct my business in a professional, excellent and purposeful way, and that gave me the conviction and encouragement not to not quit the business whenever the going gets tough.

Each month you came to share, you provide a missing piece of that puzzle, bringing clarity to my business. Through your sharing, you also encouraged us to increase our value. I took your advice and as a result I made effort to study and upgrade myself professionally, and not remain an insurance salesman.

Today, I’m a Certified Financial Planner (CFP), a lecturer for the CFP program, as well as a lecturer with a local University and a corporate trainer. I have my own General Insurance firm and a training consultancy and doing well in the marketplace bringing financial education to others.

If not for your constant encouragement even up till this day, and sharing from the bible about how God wants us to shine in the marketplace to be salt and light, a New Singaporean to carry the life and light in the marketplace, I would not be where I am today.

I thank God for you!

Also, I’m shocked that they cut a clip out of Pastor Kong’s sermon and took it out of context. In a seperate 2 part video I saw, they went to ask the public for their opinion – based on a 20 sec clip taken out of context.

I hope this does not constitute to infringement of privacy (secretly filming the church service), infringement of copyright (by using a clip without permission), and disturbing religious harmony (by seeking public opinion and critic of a religious practice from a copyrighted clip taken out of context).

The journalist asked a few members the following few questions. I thought I should share my views:

1) Do you feel that the way he asked for money is correct?

Firstly, based on the short 20sec clip shown, it is totally unacceptable. I see it as purely manipulative and placing pressure on the people to give. Nobody would like to be treated this way. If this sermon is only this 20 sec long clip.

But, if you sat through the entire 1 hour of this sermon and viewed this clip in its original context, then there is nothing wrong in the clip because he is not asking for our money. The first segment of the 20 sec clip shown is merely a review of how much different categories of the membership has given over the past 2 years (e.g. full time NSmen, retirees, etc). The main context of the sermon was omitted.

In an offering, this is a key to free-willed giving whereby each Christian gives in the way he can. It is biblical – Abraham gave of his only son, the widow of Zerephath gave her last morsel of bread, God gave his only Son Jesus, the widow gave her mite, the people of Mecedonian church gave of their very best in their poverty, etc. There is no pressure to give. Every believer gives in a manner he can without pressure. But everyone gave of their very best to a point of tears, because we had to part with our “precious”. “Unequal amount. Equal sacrifice”

As a Christian, Jesus Christ gave His life for our sins. What is it that as a Christian we cannot even give a portion of our finances willingly? Christianity is about giving. It need not be finances. It can be our time, energy, talents, etc. We believe in Jesus and so we give. We give our best, until our heart is broken, to a point there’s tears in our eyes.

As a pastor with the responsibility of teaching the right Christian values, he did the right thing, compared to a pastor who preach only what people like to hear. Because giving is a large part of Christianity. God love so God gave, Jesus gave, the disciples gave, the early Christians gave, people in the old testament gave. Giving is an important theme. We can give without loving, but we can never love without giving. Sometimes it is even a test of our faith.

2) How do you feel about Rev Kong not showing up today?

From my understanding, I don’t see why he should show up today. As a matter of fact, he is supposed to be preaching in CHCKL and not supposed to be in Singapore today. However, as he needs to assist in the ongoing investigations, the schedule was cancelled and he stayed in Singapore. He deserves to rest himself so that he can assist the ongoing investigations to the best of his abilities.

3) Do you feel that the church needs to give you all more answers about the situation?

Definitely. As a member of this family, I expect to be informed about the happenings. However, with the investigations ongoing, I can understand why details cannot yet be revealed. But the details do not matter at this point in time. I am glad to know from the church that Pastor Kong and the others are well now.

4) Do you feel that the money is put into good use?

Yes. The church congregation is regularly updated about its spending. For example, in the recent Haiti relief efforts, the congregation was kept in the know weekly of the amount of money spent on medial supplies, aid, manpower and the tents and lamps we bought over to help the Haitians.

5) What do you feel about the $310 million investment in suntec?

I am excited about it because we are finally moving to a centralized and convenient location and not another end of Singapore. The business model is also attractive.

6) There were no answers today. So do you feel lost about it?

Lost about? The only answer I need at this point in time is that my pastor is well. The other answers will come in due time when the investigations are complete.

7) Do you feel that your money is justified and do you see where it is going?

Yes. I know where my tithe goes to, I know where my offering goes to and I know where my building fund pledge goes to. Do you feel that my money given to the church need to be justified?

I first got saved in Primary 2 through a simple prayer my tutor taught me, “Jesus, I believe in you. Forgive my sins”. Well, I did it in secret. Too bad – no children’s church then, no follow up. I knew nothing and continued my parent’s religion. This is the first backsliding of my life haha… God did not forgive my prayer (the principle is when one is saved, the entire household is saved)

Come Secondary 2. A rebellious teen with hormones raging. My parents, surprisingly, through a life crisis got saved in an Anglican church – Chapel of the Holy Spirit pastored by Pastor Tan Piah. Because of my parents, I was forced to go to church. The rule set by my parents was – “if you do not go to church, you cannot go home”. Talk about parental objection. This is parental oppression!!! I was honestly, angry! I have never had a good relationship with my parents up till my mid 20s. I was angry with them because I feel that they had taken away too many of my “childhood”. They did not celebrate my birthdays and festivities like CNY and Christmas since I was in P2 – no presents, no red packets, no cakes and parties while other had. I resented the fact that they neglected me n my younger sister to go overseas to do business. I would often shout at them, slam the door, and you know, do stupid things rebelliou teens do? haha… those were the days

But deep inside, I had wanted to know Jesus. But somehow, the rebellious nature in me made me not want to respond outwardly. I would stand in the service like a piece of log, when people clapped n lifted hands, I folded my arms and always sat at the last row. Issue of pride. Outwardly rebellious, inwardly I very much want to be free. Wanted to clap and lift up hands but I feel embarassed and “pai sei”. Took me a year before I would slowly free myself up, attend bible study and tambourine classes led by “Bro Joseph”. I got baptized on my birthday – 22 Dec in 1991 at Chapel of the Holy Spirit. I was now in Sec 3.

Over time, my parents, due to having to travel to Batam to do business, stopped attending church. I gradually backslided during my N levels and stopped attending church until Poly, when I occasionally would follow my cousins to attend a church in Pasir Panjang. No God during this period. It was “wilderness”.

It was not until 1995 during my 2nd year of Poly that I was introduced to CHC by a classmate, Danny. “Why should I go to CHC with you? Because there are pretty girls there” was the answer. Well I went (obviously) hoping to find a “stead” (I failed). The service was still at Westin Stamford that time, and they were preparing to move to Hollywood Theatre. Anyway, I was not serious that time and Danny and I kindof drifted in and out of CHC for 3 years. I was literally bumming around. In fact, I had thoughts of quitting school to go and sell pirated VCD. I tell you, I never knew I had the spirit of enterprise in me!!! Thank God for Pastor Kong and CHC, for if not today my life would be written very differently!

In 1998, something drastic changed in my life. Someone invited me to CHC again. His name was Joseph, the son of Pastor Moses Chew from Church of Singapore (Harvest) under Pastor George Ong. He brought me to this CGL named “Irene Ho”. That week, Pastor Kong was preaching and he spoke about the floating axe head. The message was clear – I may have lost hope in life, but Jesus will give me a second chance. That Sunday afternoon I made a decision to give my heart once again to Jesus Christ. I walked from the balcony of Hollywood to the altar areas downstairs. That was the clearest decision I ever made in my life. That decision changed me. I began to be hungry for God. I took bible study seriously, I attended CG and service seriously and it was the first time I actually made friends (besides Danny) and stayed in a CG. I even learnt to play the guitar. Today, I think I play ok.

Over the years, in CHC through pastor kong, Sun, Irene and other pastors/leaders I followed, I learned many things about Christianity as well as skills that would help me excel in life. Pastor kong often taught us about manhood and taking responsibility. And he would often invite the late Dr Ed Cole to teach about how manhood and Christ likeness are synonymous. That was the defining moment that taught me to be a real man, as I learnt to to take ownership and responsibility in life. Pastor Kong often taught us to be excellent. I remember he taught “Pukka”(best quality) – because i applied this in my first full time job as a workshop I/C in RSAF. I put that word clearly on top of my equipment status board to remind myself the best quality I gotta always produce. I got an opportunity to represent my unit in the NQCC award and my team won 1 gold and 2 silver awards in 2 years. As a christian, I shone in the “marketplace” for the first time. I was the first person to be ever appointed a workshop I/C as a Corporal (junior rank holding a senior portfolio). And I got to represent my unit in a major military exercise in Arizona in 1999. The F16 squadron there literally depended on me to program the CFDS s/w when they pit their dog fighting skills against the americans. It was a great moment to behold haha..

Pastor Kong also often taught about faith – the 7 steps of faith. How to live by faith, walk by faith, law of expectancy. He often invites the best speaker to talk about faith. I remember faith conference with Pastor Phil Pringle!!! Those were the days! And it taught me to have faith in God and have the faith of God. Pastor Kong often led by example. His life is an example of living by faith – even through failure, we live by faith. He taught us to pray, taught us to worship, taught us to love, taught us to give, taught us to believe in people, taught us to pursue excellence, etc.

Pastor Kong will invite many speakers who came and brought the word to strengthen our foundation – he had great foresight! Gave us the BEST. I remembered Dr Ed Cole – taught manhood. Pst Marilyn Hickey taught us the names of God that until this day I will remember to call upon. Pst Phil Pringle – faith. Dr John Avanzini – the laws of manifestation and biblical economics. together with CG, power house, bible study and fellowship, these laid a strong biblical foundation on my life. Pastor Kong even taught us how to manage our money! It was he who taught us to earn our first $100k through property investment (by buying a brand new HDB flat). I applied his teaching and made a quarter million! And I’m now looking to invest in commercial and residential properties. Thank God for him.

One of the most significant speakers he invited was Dr AR Bernard. In August 1998, in CG we watched a video of him preaching about “increasing our value in life”. That was the message that motivated me to want to increase my value in life – through education. As a result, I’m still studying up till this day – after leaving RSAF in 2003 I went on to the insurance industry, obtained my Certified Financial Planner (CFP) and Chartered Wealth Manager (CWM) designations, got a degree and now going for an my MBA. As a regular in RSAF, I used to earn $3k a month, about $150 a day. today my training and consulting fees are almost twice the rate, charged by the hour. Thank God for him!

In between, I also started and now running many businesses such as my own insurance firm, a training and consulting firm, an online music school, and a food stall selling BBQ chicken wings. Pastor Kong invited Dr Bernard who taught us and laid the foundation for the cultural mandate. Without him, there’ll only be the Ronald who may now be in jail for selling pirated VCDs.

Pastor Kong also taught us to connect and reconcile with our parents. He taught us in church to honor and love them regardless of what they have done to us. As a result, I eventually reconciled with my parents through the easy to follow steps he taught – take them out for meals, help them with housework (the church will give Jiff and sponge to us during Chinese new year periods to walk the talk), provide for them, etc. As a result, today my parents are no longer backslidden, but in church attending my CG.

He taught us the principles of giving according to the bible, that we can give without loving but we cannot love without giving. Jesus is a giver. He gave his life. Our giving changes life. Changes even our own lives. We give until we “cry” because it is something that touch our hearts. And through our giving, the less fortunate gets blessed.

In Feb 2002 I became a cell group leader until this day. I personally seen how God worked in my life, changing me from the inside out. I met my wife in 2003 and we married in 2005. My in-laws saw how my wife and my brother-in-law’s life changed after they went to church in CHC since 1998, and they too gave their lives to Jesus in 2006. Today, my family worships in CHC together with us. When one is saved, the entire household is saved. But it takes someone bold enough to walk the talk. CHC, Pastor Kong and the leaders are people who walk the talk.

Sun is like a role model to us in engaging culture. Leaders lead the way while others talk about it. She showed us that if we dare to dream and be committed to work for it, we can achieve anything. She gave me the inspiration to dare to go on video and share with others how to play simple guitar songs on youTube to praise n worship. I became bold to write songs even though I had no formal education on songwriting. In the past I would avoid these because I’m camera shy and felt I’m not good enough. today, I kindof “heck what people think” because she said you only have a life to live, so why not live with passion? So if you see my balding head on Youtube, she inspired me. But I think it’s good because through this I managed to reach many people and know many friends.

Then came Pastor Tan. I got to hear him in person in 2004 when I first joined the insurance industry. He took time off to come and share the word. If not for his perspective about the parallels of my job scope and soul winning, I would not have continued being a financial planner up till this day. Many years passed! Today I stood in front of crowds educating them about the importance of financial planning and how they can increase their net worth and manage their wealth. And he is still sharing the word with us when he got the time! And whenever he comes, he brings fresh new insights to us that helped me to expand the reach of my business. I thank God for him.

Then we have Pastor DD and Susan, my zone pastor since 2008. He never fails to bring a word in season whenever we meet every Tuesday, and always teach us how to move strong in the spirit. Thank God for his understanding, I’m able to continue to serve as a CGL in the midst of a packed training schedule. You see, in CHC we really we base relationship above results. There are so many people I can mention who have touched my life in some way, but what I’m really trying to say is that, in CHC, this is not a cult or business. This is a family which Jesus is the Head. A family understands and gives grace and forgiveness to every member i spite of their wrongs. Many people got it all wrong.

It is easy to talk about the negative things about CHC, Pastor Kong and the leadership without really experiencing and knowing them, without having an objective look at the bible in context of the meaning of the great commission. Pastor Kong and Sun as a couple, you never see them share about their private battles and private tears. Who knows what they went through when Sun lost her baby? Who understood what they went through when the public and other Christians criticized them for living out the cultural mandate – by Sun entering the secular music industry? Who understood the purpose? Who would want to be separated with their family to do the work of God to open a door to get more people saved in places in need of revival? Yet Singapore does not understand them. Taiwan does, Hong Kong and China does – they see her fruits. We judged too fast, too ruthlessly. Singaporeans, will you do that to your family member? Have we looked at their fruit? You don’t understand – because they are not part of your family. But they are mine. And also many of the CHC members.

When my family went through a crisis last year, my wife emailed Pastor Kong. He replied within 2 hours and help came within the next morning. This is a busy man we are talking about, who took time to write an email to show concern. He treat us like a family.

I can almost say I owe them my life. I will tell him that and he would always humbly reply that it is God who changed our lives. And I won’t be wrong in saying that because I will not be who I am if not for what God did through this church. I’m not saying that they are God. I do not worship them or the church. I only worship God. But I love them for how they lived out Christianity, for being transparent with his life.

Regardless what the media and the public say, I thank God for CHC, Pastor Kong and Sun and the leadership. We’re a family. And we’ll hold one another’s hand as we walk through the fire.

Pastors and leaders, everyone in CHC, I thank God for you.

Throughout my testimony, I like to highlight 3 things that I learnt:

1) Jer 29:11 – God has a great plan for you and I. I believe that from the day I said the first sinners prayer in P2, He remembered me although I may not understand my decision then. He took me through different stages of life to finally come to know God and be part of this great family. We are all in God’s mind.

2) Psalm 1:1-3, Heb 10:25 – Your life will flourish if you are planted in a church family. A church is part of the body of Christ. We need to go back to the source or head of the family which is Jesus Christ. In Christ, a family finds unity, peace and joy. CHC is family. My 2nd home.

3) Rom 8:28-30 – Sometimes we go through seasons of struggles in our life, but understand this – that God has a great outcome for us, that in all we go through, we will emerge with victory. Experiences do not determine our future – our choices do, but experiences shape our faith and character. Never give up. Keep walking the walk.

Why is our testimony about how God changed our lives through City Harvest and the leadership important? It is not to idolize the church or pastor kong. Rather, we show that God is real and he works through people whose hearts are given totally to Him. Pastor Kong surely will not want us to idolize him. What is in the heart of the leaders of this great church is that we learn to build our own altar and stand strong for our faith. Regardless of what happens to the leaders, we as members of CHC, are the church. We stand as a church, regardless whether the existing leaders are around. We worship Jesus, are called to fulfill the Great Commission, Great Commandment and for CHC, the Cultural Mandate as well.

Let’s get our focus right. Stay united as a church and progress as a church for the glory of God.

I hope it’ll be an encouragement to everyone of us in CHC. NEVER EVER FORGET the good works of this one local church.

In spite of what’s going on, in spite of what the media and others say, Rev 12:11 – the word of God and our testimony has power to overcome “him”.

15 years in CHC, having walked with them for that long, I know the church or its leaders are not perfect. But I know that they are not corrupt.

Let our leaders know we’ll hold on to their hands regardless of what happens and -

Together We’ll Stand As ONE

Verse 1

You taught us love

You showed us light

You gave us hope

Made our dreams alive

Verse 2

How may we be thankful?

For all the works you do

We are more than grateful

And together we say to you

Chorus

United we’ll stand as one

Together we’ll pray as one

We’ll hold on to your hands as one

We’ll encourage the weaker ones

We’ve got a long race to run

Let our hearts be joined

Let our faith unite

Let’s build the Church of Jesus Christ

(Let’s run this race for Jesus Christ)

I wrote the first half of this on April 5 on Pastor Kong’s blog, but added another half today and share it with all of you here.

Jesus asked “Who do the crowds say I am?” (Lk 9:18).

Similarly, I believe that we are being asked the same question today about our church, CHC and our leaders – Pastor Kong, Sun and all the leaders.

I hope that your answer will depend on your experience with this church and this man and his wife, as well as your encounters with God, and not be based on Supposed2bstraight Times (ST) and all the other times.

Keep walking!

——————————————————————————————-

Dear Pastor Kong n Sun,

thank you for your strength and persistence in living out the calling God gave in your lives. Even though many times we see your public victories and success being shared, you will never show us the private tears and hardship you had to shed and go through to lead us to where we are today. As our leader you stood your ground in the frontline taking all the attacks and protecting the herd. You stood for us when you can just go back to your family. There’s nothing else we can say about your leadership and character.

Truly I can only say that we are blessed to have a leader who walks the talk when many others will only talk the talk. Someone who put their life and reputation on the line to fulfill the calling that God gave in the bible.

Please keep on keeping on. We will stand with you and forge ahead through your leadership.

just want to say that my wife and I, as well as my parents and in-laws appreciate and are very thankful to you that our lives have been impacted by God working through you. This is enough evidence (to my family) to silence all critics about you. The way you lived your life is proof of everything.

I came 15 years ago – alone, my family dysfunctional, my life hopeless. But thanks to you for teaching us sound biblical principles in a practical way (enough to live out easily) such as how to experience God and have a close walk with Him, hard work n diligence, faithfulness, accountability, loyalty, love, excellence, my position and blessing in Christ, etc and not to mention to love and honor our parents even when they let us down – how you taught us to forgive, to buy meals and do little things like household chores for our parents, talk to them, pray for them, etc as the practical way of reaching to them, and the caring system to reach our friends. Today my family are all here.

It don’t matter what people say because what the bible say is true – that when one is saved, the entire household will be saved – through the biblical teaching that you taught us to apply in a step by step way. Your teaching and leadership goes beyond theory and you have successfully taught us to live out the word of God.

As for the suntec deal, I believe you have spoken enough. We have accounted to the relevant authorities. And even though as a church we are not obligated to do it, we did to the best of our abilities fulfilling our part of social harmony to address the public with every info we can give. There’s no further obligation we owe to the public. IMO, you have have done your part and discharged all your responsibilities as the founders of CHC faithfully. WE TRUST YOU AND THE LEADERS YOU APPOINT.

I believe that our move to Suntec will be a blessing to society worldwide and once again be a monument of faith for Christians all over the world to see what God can do in heart fully yielded to Him. Critics will always have their conspiracy theory but we have fruits to show truth that their theory have not.

And about the recent spate of news about “misuse of funds” and all the other yada yada yada, whatever it is, I believe it is a price we need to pay to engage culture. So we’ll pay it and move on for the benefit of our future generations. Whatever happens, we’ll stand by you and the church. I know that you are not perfect, but you are certainly not corrupt. 15 years following you and Sun. The way you lived your lives says it all.

I like to quote a passage from Romans 8 to all of us affected by the news, and I hope to encourage you that God is a sovereign God who waste no chance in bringing His glory to society. Sometimes trials can beset us for a higher glory. Just don’t give up. Keep walking by faith.

“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. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.

What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written:

“For your sake we face death all day long;

we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” – Rom 8:28-39

Pastors and CHC, I thank God for you.

Keep walking!

Ronald

Merry Christmas DD leaders!!! Let’s grow old together, serving God and one another together

Here’s the notes to this song: Click HERE to download the chord chart

Verse:

Pre-Chorus:

Chorus:

Bridge:

Outro:

Strumming: