Elder Ho Kien Keong
19-01-2020
Some of us are waiting for the best timing, the best opportunities, the best church, the best pastors. You are looking at the wrong direction and situation. There will be many lost opportunities, lost times andost hopes.
We need to reset our lives in the fact that we have entered into a new decade. The things of God are fresh and new every morning. We need to know the sense of His calling for our lives. We need to reset our hearts. God says, "I know the plans that I have for you." There will come courage that arise from this.
1) God knows everything about our lives.
Psalm 147:4 New International Version (NIV)
4 He determines the number of the stars
and calls them each by name.
In time, God created the whole universe. God saw that it was good. God knows the stars by name. God knows us even more.
God created and God knows. God understands that challenges that you go through.
God knows you. (Psalm 139)
He is not only almighty in the skies, He is almighty in our lives.
2) God foreknew and God predestined.
Romans 8:28-30 New International Version (NIV)
28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who[a] have been called according to his purpose. 29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. 30 And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.
We glorify God. God is in control of lives that are surrender to Him.
God is preparing a crown of righteouessness for those whom He called to His purposes.
John 1:1-5 New International Version (NIV)
The Word Became Flesh
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome[a] it.
Run to the light. Darkness has never overcome light. Jesus says, "I am the light of the world." The light is truth and will show us the days ahead. Going ahead, the Bible says it is going to be tougher, harder and more challenging because the devil is there to create a new Anti-Christ system where sin thrives where right has become wrong and wrong becomes something that we glorify.
Revelation 17:14 New International Version (NIV)
14 They will wage war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will triumph over them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings—and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers.”
Chosen, Called, Faithful.
Jesus is Lord of lords and King of kings. He will be triumphant. His people will be called, chosen and faithful.
When the blood does not flow to certain parts of our body, there will be problem. Sin comes along and clogs the flow of God into our lives. There may be a time that we suddenly realise how come I cannot control my anger. You have not come to a place of repentance and turn our hearts and attitudes. Repentance is so critical to allow God to flow into all areas in our spiritual lives. Some of us see the giants in front of us. Our focus is on the Goliath. If only we come into a place and say to God that, "The sin that is in me has allowed this giant to be bigger."
A behavioural change in our attitude and thinking is an action but it is not deep.
Repentance is deep.
An example is the story of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15. He came to a point in his life that He recognised his sin. Deep down in his heart, he knew it was wrong. There was deep regret and deep remorse. And he didn't want to remain in that habit, lust, bondage anymore. He didn't want to be a victim of the giant. He returned to the father and there is rejoicing.
In a marriage, when we say the wrong things, there is anger and there is no joy. When there is a reconciliation, there is rejoicing, happiness and restored relationships.
We need to repent of our wicked ways. The Bible is all about the blood of Jesus that cleanses us. It is a continuous cleansing. And it flows and touches and transforms.
In the story of the Prodigal Son, the father saw his son coming and against all traditions, he ran to the son because the son has repented.
Our Heavenly Father does the same for you and I.
There is no spiritual probation. God looks at our hearts. God is waiting for you to respond, to turn, to be sincere, to deal with our lives.
At the beginning of the year, start right with God.
The disciples were already following John the Baptist who was the forerunner.
Jesus came and spoke to them directly. Jesus came and chose them as His apostles.
Some of us follow Korean dramas. Some follow social media and it consumes you. Some follow the corporate ladder. We all follow something.
We need to follow Jesus. "Lord, Your love is so deep, so wide."
Start the year correctly.
We are chosen. But what are we chosen for?
We are chosen to be loved.
We see this in the story of Mary and Martha. Martha was distracted by many things. Mary was with Jesus and something happened in the relationship. She chose to build that relationship.
We are chosen to love.
We are chosen to love one another because the world is not like that.
Colossians 3:12-14 New International Version (NIV)
12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
If there is unforgiveness, we need to come to a place to forgive. Unforgiveness is a giant that will destroy.
Be an example to love one another. Out of the love of God in our hearts comes our love for one another. God opens the door to love an unbeliever. It allows us to be a channel of God's love.
We are chosen to bear fruit.
John 15:5 New International Version (NIV)
5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.
John 16:13 New International Version (NIV)
13 But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.
The Holy Spirit is the spirit of truth, conviction, fire and power. He is the one that allows us to bear fruit.
Jesus wants to partner with you and I despite all our handicap and weaknesses.
Luke 5 New International Version (NIV)
Jesus Calls His First Disciples
5 One day as Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret,[a] the people were crowding around him and listening to the word of God. 2 He saw at the water’s edge two boats, left there by the fishermen, who were washing their nets. 3 He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little from shore. Then he sat down and taught the people from the boat.
4 When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.”
5 Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.”
6 When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. 7 So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink.
Jesus chose to partner with Simon Peter the fisherman. "Allow Me to use your boat so that I could go a bit further."
Peter was with Jesus for three and a half years. He was able to see the blind see and the sick healed. He could see all that through a simple act of obedience.
Then Jesus told Peter to go a bit deeper and throw the net. And they caught such a large number of fish that the net began to break.
Allow Jesus into your life. Jesus wants that boat. Are we willing to let that boat to be used by Jesus? He wants to show you that He is the Almighty God. Can you be obedient to push that boat out and cast out the net?
Peter was faithful in little things and he was so blessed.
Elder Khoo Kay Hup
12-01-2020
The expectation of God on us is that we will be anointed witness for Him where ever we go.
Without the spirit of Elijah, the world would immediately come under the severe judgment of God and no one is spared.
Every prophetic word is an immediate fulfilment of the generation of that time and the future fulfilment to come.
Jesus came fully as man to function as God.
We need to get ready the people for the second coming of Jesus Christ.
It's still the acts of the Holy Spirit that's still moving in the church.
God's heart desire is to see families united in these end times.
As long as we live in this world, we will experience challenges, difficulties, betrayals and so on and so forth.
But the Bible tells us that we are an overcomer, overcome as Jesus overcome.
The devil is all out to steal, to kill and to destroy.
Be connected to the Holy Spirit and He will alert us.
God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble so that He will exalt you in due time. There is nothing wrong to cast your cares upon Him.
Many times we have our needs and we don't see breakthroughs. There is nothing wrong to come before the altar of God and say, "God, touch me!" Eg. Hannah.
What is foolishness in the eyes of man can be powerful for God.
Salt brings flavour. Just a little bit and it is powerful.
When the world is moving in fear and uncertainty, this is the best time to be a witness for Him.
But we need the Holy Spirit. You cannot do it alone.
Let your light shine before men. Be a shining light in the midst of darkness.
God wants us to be a lifeguard for the people.
When we are going through Peter's situation, ask the Holy Spirit if there is something for us to learn.
Eg. Joseph. He was constantly walking with God and didn't give up.
Sometimes we expect God to solve it fast.
Joseph went through 13 years.
Cheer up! The best is yet to come.
Every generation will have an Anti-Christ spirit and it gets more intense.
This person with Anti-Christ spirit will corrupt with flattery, but the people who know their God will firmly resist him.
Daniel and Revelation run almost concurrently especially Chapter 11 and 12.
The process of purification and being made white and refined is intense. When the goings get tough, we get disappointed with God. We will experience hard times but we need to shine for Him.
Daniel lost his manhood. He was castrated.
Daniel knows his bible.
Poor Jeremiah didn't know that four Hebrew youths listened!
Daniel and his three friends recalled what happened. (Ezra 7)
And they took action. They decided not to defile themselves.
The complete fall of Jerusalem was 586BC.
Elder Liew Hoi Foo
05-01-2020
Matthew 25 New International Version (NIV)
The Parable of the Ten Virgins
25 “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. 3 The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. 4 The wise ones, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. 5 The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep.
6 “At midnight the cry rang out: ‘Here’s the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!’
7 “Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. 8 The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.’
9 “‘No,’ they replied, ‘there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.’
10 “But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut.
11 “Later the others also came. ‘Lord, Lord,’ they said, ‘open the door for us!’
12 “But he replied, ‘Truly I tell you, I don’t know you.’
13 “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.
The Parable of the Bags of Gold
14 “Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his wealth to them. 15 To one he gave five bags of gold, to another two bags, and to another one bag,[a] each according to his ability. Then he went on his journey. 16 The man who had received five bags of gold went at once and put his money to work and gained five bags more. 17 So also, the one with two bags of gold gained two more. 18 But the man who had received one bag went off, dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money.
19 “After a long time the master of those servants returned and settled accounts with them. 20 The man who had received five bags of gold brought the other five. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘you entrusted me with five bags of gold. See, I have gained five more.’
21 “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’
22 “The man with two bags of gold also came. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘you entrusted me with two bags of gold; see, I have gained two more.’
23 “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’
24 “Then the man who had received one bag of gold came. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘I knew that you are a hard man, harvesting where you have not sown and gathering where you have not scattered seed. 25 So I was afraid and went out and hid your gold in the ground. See, here is what belongs to you.’
26 “His master replied, ‘You wicked, lazy servant! So you knew that I harvest where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered seed? 27 Well then, you should have put my money on deposit with the bankers, so that when I returned I would have received it back with interest.
28 “‘So take the bag of gold from him and give it to the one who has ten bags. 29 For whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them. 30 And throw that worthless servant outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’
The Sheep and the Goats
31 “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne. 32 All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.
34 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’
37 “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’
40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’
41 “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. 42 For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, 43 I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’
44 “They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’
45 “He will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’
46 “Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.”
Luke 19:11-27 New International Version (NIV)
The Parable of the Ten Minas
11 While they were listening to this, he went on to tell them a parable, because he was near Jerusalem and the people thought that the kingdom of God was going to appear at once. 12 He said: “A man of noble birth went to a distant country to have himself appointed king and then to return. 13 So he called ten of his servants and gave them ten minas.[a] ‘Put this money to work,’ he said, ‘until I come back.’
14 “But his subjects hated him and sent a delegation after him to say, ‘We don’t want this man to be our king.’
15 “He was made king, however, and returned home. Then he sent for the servants to whom he had given the money, in order to find out what they had gained with it.
16 “The first one came and said, ‘Sir, your mina has earned ten more.’
17 “‘Well done, my good servant!’ his master replied. ‘Because you have been trustworthy in a very small matter, take charge of ten cities.’
18 “The second came and said, ‘Sir, your mina has earned five more.’
19 “His master answered, ‘You take charge of five cities.’
20 “Then another servant came and said, ‘Sir, here is your mina; I have kept it laid away in a piece of cloth. 21 I was afraid of you, because you are a hard man. You take out what you did not put in and reap what you did not sow.’
22 “His master replied, ‘I will judge you by your own words, you wicked servant! You knew, did you, that I am a hard man, taking out what I did not put in, and reaping what I did not sow? 23 Why then didn’t you put my money on deposit, so that when I came back, I could have collected it with interest?’
24 “Then he said to those standing by, ‘Take his mina away from him and give it to the one who has ten minas.’
25 “‘Sir,’ they said, ‘he already has ten!’
26 “He replied, ‘I tell you that to everyone who has, more will be given, but as for the one who has nothing, even what they have will be taken away. 27 But those enemies of mine who did not want me to be king over them—bring them here and kill them in front of me.’”
Last year we launched M100. The Lord led and guided us for 40 years. We were dependant on the Holy Spirit. There was no road map like the days of Moses.
In this new M100 season, we entrust the future into the hands of the Holy Spirit to lead and guide us. We trust the Holy Spirit will take us one step at a time. We focus on the steps in front of us.
In the Parable of the Talents and the Ten Minas, there were two different situations. Before that, the Lord took us to the Parable of the Ten Virgins.
At the end of the Parable, the Lord said to the five virgins who were foolish that He did not know them.
We need the oil which is the Word of God with us. Read the Bible.
And take the first step to fast.
Coming back to the parables, we were warned. We need the oil which is the Word of God with us.
In the Parable of the Talents, I asked why didn't the master give the same amount to the servants?
That's where I was directed to the Parable of the Ten Minas.
The Lord has blessed each of us with talents. In the Parable of the Talents, the master entrusted the servants. In the Parable of the Ten Minas, the master instructed them to put the talents to work.
We are responsible for 100 churches and 100,000 disciples.
Where do we begin?
It is so powerful that if we were to just invite someone. 60% of the family of God here attend home fellowships. God has opened the avenue for us to share our own testimonies. We can share a testimony of our lives--how we came to know the Lord and God can use to impact the lives of others. Many lives can be touched. That's the power of one.
The outcome belongs to the Lord. Glory belongs to God. God will multiply.
We may not know the power of prayers. God has brought the manna before us. Pray for the salvation of the people around us. The church is like a lighthouse. Prayer will transform the people around us.
Share the gospel to them. Bring the good news of the kingdom to the lost. Reach out through the many avenues.
Let us make it a habit to pray for your own neighbourhood. God will answer and honour our prayers. God will bring the transformation.
In the story of Gideon, the Midianites will raid them and rob the Israelites of their food. God sent Gideon. He formed an army of farmers. 32,000 responded. But the Lord said it's just too many. 22,000 left. The army reduced to 10,000 but the Lord said it's still too many. The 10,000 were reduced to only 300. That's less than 1%.
In Judges 8, the Midianites had an army of 135,000. That's a ratio of 1:450. Yet God said that's enough. Gideon did not panic. The 300 did not raise their swords on them. Yet the Midianites were defeated.
The glory belongs to God.
Do what Jesus did. Share the good news.
