Had a long 2 hour bible study on this subject matter conducted by Rev. Tan, our church's deputy senior pastor. Just want to share with you some things i had learnt and at the same time refresh my mind about all that i had learnt. This week, we are talking about the objections to tongues. It will be quite long, and i may split it up into a few posts and put it up at different times.
Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 1 Cor 13:1-2 (NKJV)
A common objection : "Tongues is unimportant, only love is"
Is this really the case? If you are looking at it this way, you will have to look at the whole context as well; so you are also saying that faith is not important, only love is... ... But the bible says, without faith it is impossible to please God - Heb 11:6. So determine for yourself if tongues and faith are important. They are important (extremely) in my opinion.
Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away. 1 Cor 13:8-10 (NKJV)
Another objection : "Tongues have ceased"
There are also people who quoted these verses to argue that tongues are unimportant and that speaking in tongues have ceased. They claimed that all prophecies have been fulfilled - the birth of Christ through a virgin, His death and resurrection,etc. But is this really the case, that ALL prophecies have been fulfilled? Nopes, there still the prophecy of His Second coming, where then we will rule and reign with Christ for 1000 years before the devil will be released for his final rebellion, and then condemned eternally to the bottomless pits. Tongues will NOT cease until the day has come. If you are still insisting that tongues have ceased, then knowledge will have vanished away already too! Not having to go to school anymore ... Now i know a lot of people who would love that! (what the point of education if knowledge have ceased to exist!)
More coming soon ... ... ...
Thursday, June 30, 2005
Wednesday, June 29, 2005
Faith, Hope and Dreams
It's been slightly more than 6 hours into the our church-wide fast. Starting to feel hungry now ... ...
Went to give Wei Zheng tuition yesterday and collected the tution fees. (Great! I am holding on to much more cash and can pay for my transport fees and give to God in the building funds.) After that, it's children church visitation time and not before long, Mei Xiu and I have to rush down for our zone's prayer meeting at the church's Suntec office. Strangely, she asked me about Liz during the trip down to Suntec. =)
Simon lent me a book ... it's "Whose Child is This - a story of hope and help for a generation at peril" By Bill Wilson. Pastor Bill's having such a powerful sunday school ministry and i am sure i will be greatly blessed by his book! =)
Gotta have faith for my sowing into the building funds, for where there is faith, His power will be released!
Went to give Wei Zheng tuition yesterday and collected the tution fees. (Great! I am holding on to much more cash and can pay for my transport fees and give to God in the building funds.) After that, it's children church visitation time and not before long, Mei Xiu and I have to rush down for our zone's prayer meeting at the church's Suntec office. Strangely, she asked me about Liz during the trip down to Suntec. =)
Simon lent me a book ... it's "Whose Child is This - a story of hope and help for a generation at peril" By Bill Wilson. Pastor Bill's having such a powerful sunday school ministry and i am sure i will be greatly blessed by his book! =)
Gotta have faith for my sowing into the building funds, for where there is faith, His power will be released!
Saturday, June 25, 2005
Bored
I missed my msn buddies. Chatted with Da Senzai (Don't know his real name but i have always known him as that ... and he's a cool Dane!) Well, got to know him through playing the game 'Utopia' which kind of reminds me of my Aussie friends, Irene, Tony, Jono and PIMP (the ultimate 'crapper' from the U.S.); all of whom i knew from playing the game. Wonder where did Irene and Tony go to, it's been ages since i seen them online. Irene should be having exams now, well, hope i can see her online soon when her vacation starts. Tony, i hope you are not too busy with work .. =) Congrats Jono, now that you have completed your exams, you can relax we can have more time to talk about our ministries in Campus Crusade, haha, though i know you call it 'Student Life' over there in Australia.
Really missing Irene, my msn crapping buddy .... hmm, Melanie, our 'cute nut' don't get jealous, you just recently made it into my list of crapping buddies too! Haha, i sound kinda stupid don't i? But my crapping buddies are the people i lookout for the moment i log into msn.
Speaking of which, Melanie, schools reopening soon, and guess i may not see you online that often, but we can have coffee together in NUS in the near future! Yayy!! Congrats for making in NUS High, you are my first friend to make it there. So proud and happy for you! Praise GOD !! =) Too bad you did not join us for the Southern Cross packing. Well, it's kind of tiring for us. 4000 packs leh! Well, we are separated into groups; Jelaine and I were in the team, with ChaiLing joining us later. Well, she's late but she bought us lunch!! Yay!! I was really enjoying the chicken rice and Melanie's complaining that her lunch is late and that she's starving; didn't have the heart to tell her just how much i am enjoying, savouring the chicken rice at that moment. (If you are reading this, you may kill me or POOF me in msn now ...hahahas...)
Everything ended well, and went for cell group ... TIRED ... i was hoping the cups of coffee i drank earlier can perk me up a little but nope ... it' God who refreshed me during the worship session. God, you are the amazing, fantastic, marvellous !!
Really missing Irene, my msn crapping buddy .... hmm, Melanie, our 'cute nut' don't get jealous, you just recently made it into my list of crapping buddies too! Haha, i sound kinda stupid don't i? But my crapping buddies are the people i lookout for the moment i log into msn.
Speaking of which, Melanie, schools reopening soon, and guess i may not see you online that often, but we can have coffee together in NUS in the near future! Yayy!! Congrats for making in NUS High, you are my first friend to make it there. So proud and happy for you! Praise GOD !! =) Too bad you did not join us for the Southern Cross packing. Well, it's kind of tiring for us. 4000 packs leh! Well, we are separated into groups; Jelaine and I were in the team, with ChaiLing joining us later. Well, she's late but she bought us lunch!! Yay!! I was really enjoying the chicken rice and Melanie's complaining that her lunch is late and that she's starving; didn't have the heart to tell her just how much i am enjoying, savouring the chicken rice at that moment. (If you are reading this, you may kill me or POOF me in msn now ...hahahas...)
Everything ended well, and went for cell group ... TIRED ... i was hoping the cups of coffee i drank earlier can perk me up a little but nope ... it' God who refreshed me during the worship session. God, you are the amazing, fantastic, marvellous !!
Wednesday, June 22, 2005
A Msg from a Forum
Just something meaningful i would like to have here
A 91-year-old woman died after living a very long dignified life. When she met God, she asked Him something that had really bothered her for a very long time. "If Man was created in God's image, and if all men are created equal, why do people treat each other so badly?"God replied that each person who enters our life has a unique lesson to teach us. It is only through these lessons that we learn about life, people and our relationships with God.This confused the woman, so God began to explain:"When someone lies to you, it teaches you that things are not always what they seem. The truth is often far beneath the surface. Look beyond the masks people wear if you want to know what is in their hearts. Remove your own masks to let people know who you really are.When someone steals from you it teaches you that nothing is forever.Always appreciate what you have. You never know when you might lose it. Never take your friends or family for granted, because today and sometimes only this very moment is the only guarantee you may have.When someone inflicts injury upon you, it teaches you that the human state is a very fragile one. Protect and take care of your body as best as you can, it's the one thing that you are sure to have forever.When someone mocks you, it teaches you that no two people are alike.When you encounter people who are different from you, do not judge them by how they look or act, instead base it on the contents of what is in their hearts.When someone breaks your heart, it teaches you that loving someone does not always mean that the person will love you back. But don't turn your back on love, because when you find the right person, the joy that one person brings you will make up for all of your past hurts Times a thousand fold.When someone holds a grudge against you, it teaches you that everyone makes mistakes. When you are wronged, the most virtuous thing you can do is forgive the offender without pretense. Forgiving those who have hurt us is often the most difficult and painful of life's experiences, but it is also the most courageous thing a person can do.When a loved one is unfaithful to you, it teaches you that resisting temptation is Man's greatest challenge. Be vigilant in your resistance against all temptations. By doing so, you will be rewarded with an enduring sense of satisfaction far greater than the temporary pleasure by which you were tempted.When someone cheats you, it teaches you that greed is the root of all evil. Aspire to make your dreams come true, no matter how lofty they may be. Do not feel guilty about your success, but never let an obsession with achieving your goals lead you to engage in malevolent activities.When someone ridicules you, it teaches you that nobody is perfect.Accept people for their merits and be tolerant of their flaws. Do not ever reject someone for imperfections over which they have no control."Upon hearing the Lord's wisdom, the old woman became concerned that there are no lessons to be learned from man's good deeds.God replied that Man's capacity to love is the greatest gift He has.At the root of kindness and love, and each act of love also teaches us a lesson.The woman's curiosity deepened.God, once again began to explain:"When someone loves us, it teaches us love, kindness, charity, honesty, humility, forgiveness,forgiveness, acceptance, and all of these can counteract all the evil in the world. For every good deed, there is one evil deed. Man alone has the power to control the balance between good and evil, but because the lessonbetween good and evil, but because the lessons of love are not taught often enough, the power is too often abused.When you enter someone's life, whether by plan, chance or coincidence, consider what your lesson will be. Will you teach love or a harsh lesson of reality? When you die, will your life have resulted in more loving or more hurting?More comfort or more pain? More joy or more sadness?
A 91-year-old woman died after living a very long dignified life. When she met God, she asked Him something that had really bothered her for a very long time. "If Man was created in God's image, and if all men are created equal, why do people treat each other so badly?"God replied that each person who enters our life has a unique lesson to teach us. It is only through these lessons that we learn about life, people and our relationships with God.This confused the woman, so God began to explain:"When someone lies to you, it teaches you that things are not always what they seem. The truth is often far beneath the surface. Look beyond the masks people wear if you want to know what is in their hearts. Remove your own masks to let people know who you really are.When someone steals from you it teaches you that nothing is forever.Always appreciate what you have. You never know when you might lose it. Never take your friends or family for granted, because today and sometimes only this very moment is the only guarantee you may have.When someone inflicts injury upon you, it teaches you that the human state is a very fragile one. Protect and take care of your body as best as you can, it's the one thing that you are sure to have forever.When someone mocks you, it teaches you that no two people are alike.When you encounter people who are different from you, do not judge them by how they look or act, instead base it on the contents of what is in their hearts.When someone breaks your heart, it teaches you that loving someone does not always mean that the person will love you back. But don't turn your back on love, because when you find the right person, the joy that one person brings you will make up for all of your past hurts Times a thousand fold.When someone holds a grudge against you, it teaches you that everyone makes mistakes. When you are wronged, the most virtuous thing you can do is forgive the offender without pretense. Forgiving those who have hurt us is often the most difficult and painful of life's experiences, but it is also the most courageous thing a person can do.When a loved one is unfaithful to you, it teaches you that resisting temptation is Man's greatest challenge. Be vigilant in your resistance against all temptations. By doing so, you will be rewarded with an enduring sense of satisfaction far greater than the temporary pleasure by which you were tempted.When someone cheats you, it teaches you that greed is the root of all evil. Aspire to make your dreams come true, no matter how lofty they may be. Do not feel guilty about your success, but never let an obsession with achieving your goals lead you to engage in malevolent activities.When someone ridicules you, it teaches you that nobody is perfect.Accept people for their merits and be tolerant of their flaws. Do not ever reject someone for imperfections over which they have no control."Upon hearing the Lord's wisdom, the old woman became concerned that there are no lessons to be learned from man's good deeds.God replied that Man's capacity to love is the greatest gift He has.At the root of kindness and love, and each act of love also teaches us a lesson.The woman's curiosity deepened.God, once again began to explain:"When someone loves us, it teaches us love, kindness, charity, honesty, humility, forgiveness,forgiveness, acceptance, and all of these can counteract all the evil in the world. For every good deed, there is one evil deed. Man alone has the power to control the balance between good and evil, but because the lessonbetween good and evil, but because the lessons of love are not taught often enough, the power is too often abused.When you enter someone's life, whether by plan, chance or coincidence, consider what your lesson will be. Will you teach love or a harsh lesson of reality? When you die, will your life have resulted in more loving or more hurting?More comfort or more pain? More joy or more sadness?
Monday, June 20, 2005
Living Water
Back to my blog for the second time =)
This friday, the Southern Cross team is going down to GCTC to pack the 'goodie bags'. Well, i am so so excited, simply because the bags we are packing are not just ordinary bags, but really extraordinary bags; it contains 'instructions' to obtain water ... Living Water ... and you will never thirst again! Yayyie! Finding Jesus and finding our way back to our heavenly Father.
Today, i also receive news that my chem. engin. senior, Chee Wei's leaving for a college in Shanghai for a year. Felt that's a long time to be away from home in a foreign land. Well, all the best to you, Chee Wei, i know you will do well there.
Part of the lyrics from a worship song which i sang during cell ....
All my life i've searched for heaven
My heart it longs for so much more
A love so true, now I've found it in you
I'll keep on waiting, waiting on you
This friday, the Southern Cross team is going down to GCTC to pack the 'goodie bags'. Well, i am so so excited, simply because the bags we are packing are not just ordinary bags, but really extraordinary bags; it contains 'instructions' to obtain water ... Living Water ... and you will never thirst again! Yayyie! Finding Jesus and finding our way back to our heavenly Father.
Today, i also receive news that my chem. engin. senior, Chee Wei's leaving for a college in Shanghai for a year. Felt that's a long time to be away from home in a foreign land. Well, all the best to you, Chee Wei, i know you will do well there.
Part of the lyrics from a worship song which i sang during cell ....
All my life i've searched for heaven
My heart it longs for so much more
A love so true, now I've found it in you
I'll keep on waiting, waiting on you
Monday, June 13, 2005
First Words
2135 hrs and this blog is the result of me having nothing better to do. I don't really have any idea what to include here ... my day is pretty uneventful (my student postpone his tuition class to thursday) and all i did at home was to sleep, pretty unproductive huh? Mondays are usually my rest days anyway...
Well, i thought about 'love' today ... and it's been a while since i asked God to teach me more about love. This was after i read the verse in the bible
Jesus said to him, ""You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.' Mt 22:37
In my mind, i was already thinking 'my, my, God, this's a TALL thing for me'
Well, slowly, time after time He just revealed to me how i can fulfill one of the Great Commandments.
First God showed me this ....
"If you love Me, keep My commandments." John 14:15
Next, He taught me that loving Him is also about giving Him all the Honour and Glory. Like how the Father exalted the Son, and the Son giving honour to the Father and the Holy Spirit pointing people to Christ, giving each other the honour and glory.
Third, He just told me to love the people around me; 'if you can't even love the ones you see, how can you love the ones you don't??'
Well, that's all for today... hope you enjoy reading my first post, do come back for more yea =)
---The reason for my existance is to be Your worshipper---
Well, i thought about 'love' today ... and it's been a while since i asked God to teach me more about love. This was after i read the verse in the bible
Jesus said to him, ""You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.' Mt 22:37
In my mind, i was already thinking 'my, my, God, this's a TALL thing for me'
Well, slowly, time after time He just revealed to me how i can fulfill one of the Great Commandments.
First God showed me this ....
"If you love Me, keep My commandments." John 14:15
Next, He taught me that loving Him is also about giving Him all the Honour and Glory. Like how the Father exalted the Son, and the Son giving honour to the Father and the Holy Spirit pointing people to Christ, giving each other the honour and glory.
Third, He just told me to love the people around me; 'if you can't even love the ones you see, how can you love the ones you don't??'
Well, that's all for today... hope you enjoy reading my first post, do come back for more yea =)
---The reason for my existance is to be Your worshipper---
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