Discussions: Backsliding & Hypocrisy in Church

Today, we had two discussions during cell group.

Discussion 1: What are some of the reasons people leave the Church/ GOD?

Some answers include:
(1) They feel not so cared for as compared to when they were spiritual infants.
(2) Due to poor time management, they feel that the Church has taken up much of their time.
(3) Wavering faith causes them to fall easily, back into the World.
(4) They lose focus in life – skip Ladder of Success classes etc. Possible reasons of skipping classes could be indolence & incorrect learning attitude (e.g. so what if the pastor who is teaching is boring? It’s all about your attitude. It’s your choice.)
(5) They have yet to fully experience Jesus’ Resurrection.

I do not think these reasons are wrong reasons of leaving the Church/ GOD. But it is worthy to look into these responses, to address to such concerns.

My question to myself and to all believers out there is hence, ‘How do we as believers ensure we do not fall away’?

There is no absolute right or wrong answer. Personally, I’m stubborn in nature. Once I’m convicted to do something or of something, I will go all the way. I am convicted that JESUS Christ is my Lord and Savior of my life. I refuse to acknowledge JESUS since I heard of Him in primary school. Friends brought me to Church since Sec 1 to Uni Year 1, when I finally accepted the LORD (look, how many donkey years that is). I know the Lord personally, through personal encounters with Him almost everyday since day one, through my quiet time via mediation of the Word and prayers. I can feel unloved in Church, I can be so caught up with busy schedule…. BUT nothing will rob me away from the experiential fact that JESUS resurrected.

What about you? Please don’t undermine this question. I’m very certain at a point in your Christian faith, you will be challenged to give up on GOD, especially when disappointments pile up. Whatever that is to come, I tell you, JESUS Christ is the one and only true GOD.


Discussion 2: Why should I become a Christian? The worst hypocrites are in Church. – says a pre-believer.

Let me share some of my thoughts and insights from ‘Answers & Reasons’ by Josh McDowell & DonStewart.

It must be admitted that there has been hypocrisy in the church, and today we are not exempted from people who are hypocritical. A hypocrite is an actor, one who puts on a false face. He says one thing but does another. However, jus because the church contains hypocrites does not mean that all Christians are hypocrites. With every example of hypocrisy that can be pointed out in church, a counter example can be pointed out showing people who are living consistently with the teaching of JESUS Christ.

It is important NOT to confuse hypocrisy with sin. All Christians are sinners, but not all are hypocrites. There is a misconception that a Christian is a person who claims that he does not sin, but the truth is that to call oneself a Christian is to admit to being a sinner. [1 John 1:5- 2:2]. In fact, the Bible denounces hypocrisy very clearly. [Matthew 23:15]

Christianity does NOT stand or fall on the way Christians have acted throughout history or are acting today. Christianity stands or falls on the person of JESUS, and JESUS was not a hypocrite. Hence, it is incorrect to try to invalidate the Christian faith by pointing to horrible things done in the name of Christianity. We do not come to church because Pastor Khong preaches well or because of that cute guy in church. We do not skip church because a foreign pastor is invited to speak today etc. We come to church solely because of JESUS. To worship Him, to exalt Him, to hear the Word preached. If your faith is dependent on church friends/ leaders/ pastors, it is very dangerous. Humans can fall. But only JESUS is infallible.

The non-believer cannot be excused from believing just because it is possible to point to those who simply pretend to be what they are not. Hypocritical Christians cannot be excused on the basis of not being perfect because of the terrible effects hypocrisy has.

People may claim it’s true, yet have lives inconsistent with their claim, but this does not necessarily mean Christianity is not true.

Question: How then do we ensure we are not hypocrites and we do not stumble others in their belief in JESUS Christ?

I believe we need to desire and yearn to be the salt and light of the World. Let’s be mindful of our actions, our speeches. We need to continue to do good works for we are GOD’s workmanship, created to do good. Let’s not get weary of doing good, because in due time, we will reap what we sow.

Blessed week ahead!

Young Preachers' Contest 2006 (Sept)

Finally took some time to check out the Young Preachers’ Contest videos on You-Tube.
Round 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P3b5SvWreF0
Round 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pMFDfcRHjSc

Somehow, my goosebumps came out when watching them. Heh. I still recalled I had sore eyes on the day for Round 2.

Things I’d done badly:
- My body cannot be still. I kept swaying my body lightly. It’s very distracting.
- I read out from my script too often, especially Round 1
- Round 2 started off high, but the atmosphere quietened gradually and ended at the low. Perhaps another high in the middle of the preaching would be better.
- I forgot my lines in Round 2.

Things I’d done fine:
- Plucked up the courage to take part in the contest
- I could be heard (I was ‘shouting’ because the background was rather noisy)
- Presentable dressing

Daughters, I hope at least one of you will take up the challenge in the next round!

Thanksgiving, dated 14 January 2007

I dragged myself out of the bed early in the morning to bring my SM2 to the zoological gardens. Seriously it was quite a dread because I do not enjoy animals. It cost me $15 for entrance fee and $4 for parking!! Thats so expensive okie.

I could only join them for 2 hours. I didnt have time for lunch. (I get quite upset when I dont get to eat my proper meals.) Heh. I had to pump petrol, otherwise I may end up running out of it in the middle of expressway to Expo. You know how far it is from Mandai to Expo. Heavens seemed to collapse when the nearest Shell wasnt in operation. I had no idea where to find the next nearest kiosk.

I prayed to JESUS for His guidance to find the kiosk before my car has any chance of being stalled. And I found it! Then, I had to figure out how to navigate my way to Expo. It was raining cats and dogs, plus it was 1.25pm. I was certainly late for service. By the way, Ive never been late for service. I prayed again. For Gods guidance to get to Expo and for His favor that I might be in time to get into the auditorium.

I was telling GOD that I didnt mean to be late. I truly want to please Him. I believe the LORD knew how I struggled getting my way to Expo.

Guess what? When I finally reached Expo, I saw the gate closing. I prayed again. ‘GOD, can you allow a miracle to happen? Can someone open that door again from the inside so that I may have a chance to enter?’

The next second, the door opened. For whatever reason, the policeman (or security guard) opened the door. And said to me, ‘You are the last to be allowed into the auditorium’

Thank you JESUS for giving me the opportunity to worship Him for the remaining 15 minutes. I found an available seat. To my pleasant surprise, the bag beside my seat belonged to my daughter Michelle Ling. I seldom sit with Mich during service. I thank GOD for the opportunity too. I enjoyed sitting with her though we might not have spoken much during the sermon.

So much, so much, to thank the LORD for…

My Personal Testimony

Retro Personality Countdown Party 2007

I wish to thank my mum, Pastor Serene and Pastor Shufang for nominating me as our cluster retro personality. This had unexpectedly ministered to me. Thanks also to my sisters Eliz, Cindy, Liyan, Buddy Chinfen & Elise for dolling me up. Thanks Ray for being my wonderful partner.

When I was doing my QT, I realised GOD was actually doing a work of healing thru this event.

I got myself into a very difficult situation on my JC prom night. I was nominated as one of the candidates for the Pageant. I didn't want to participate because I didn't want to be in the limelight, especially when I was a gossip topic in school then. Pleasant and nasty gossips, perhaps, nasty ones outweigh pleasant ones.

I unintentionally created a scene when I refused to go up onto the stage and attempted to leave the banquet until my teacher came and ran after me. When I went onto the stage, the unfortunate question that I randomly picked was 'Convince the audience why you fit to be tonight’s NYJC Prom Queen'. I blatantly answered 'I am not fit to be one because I don't even want to be one.' and walked off the stage. The audience let out some disappointing moans.

This incident had left a deep impression in me. Never had I want to screw up my prom night. Maybe it was an issue of self-confidence. Honestly, I was displeased with myself for being a spoil sport, yet I felt so shameful deep within. I thought I never want to be on stage to be in the limelight again.

On the contrary, since then till now, GOD had granted me many opportunities to perform dances on stage, MC for wedding dinner etc. It seemed like GOD was preparing me, gradually, to overcome myself on stage.

When I went for the briefing for Retro Personality, I 'freaked out' when they said they would be selecting Mr/Miss Retro King/Queen. I recalled the Prom King/Queen incident. I wondered why I got myself into such a thing again.

On hindsight, I thank GOD that there wasn't enough time to play games on the stage, so the MCs cut the programme. All I needed to do were catwalk and poses. I believed I hadn't made a fool of myself on stage that day & Ray and I had given our best efforts during our preparation and on the actual day.

This was a second chance that GOD had given me to somehow 'un-wind' what happened 5 years ago. This, itself, is a form of healing, where stage victory has been won.

I can't help but burst into tears of gratitude to the LORD for He started my year 2007 - the Year of Victory, with victory on stage.

The LORD is my confidence.

Ethnos Emmanuel!

Ethnos Emmanuel!

'Ethnos' --> We consist of various ethnic groups
'Emmanuel' --> GOD's presence is with us

These are the legacies of our forefathers, Pastor Hee Guan, Pastor Shufang (used to be Ps HG's cell member), Pastor Hee Jhee (used to be Ps SF's cell member) & Pastor Serene (used to be Ps HJ's cell member).

On 31st Dec 2006 (i.e. my birthday ;) ), we had our first cluster activity. Basically we had simple games, where we encouraged fellowship among the 4 tribes. It was significant because it marked the end of 2006, welcoming the Year of Victory 2007, as a BIG FAMILY.

Ade's 1st entRy on e cell blog! =)

Hello! my 1st entry on the blog.actually i also dont know what to blog.recently,xiaoEunice n i had been doing the cluster blog thing...means we are the pioneers!!! =)) that's nice.It was r4eally fun doing that.with pastor Hee Jhee guiding us along.tomorrow is the next session.heard Fang Siang is in charge tmr.or did i heard wrongly?Nahs.Sorries.this is my first entry so i really dont know what to write. <151106,6.31pm>

Small eunice's Encounter camp + Service

Three days had passed! I was away for a camp these 3 days. I was on my way to meet my guide ; shiying. Gosh! it was raining heavily! Probably GOD wants to clear the Haze, that's why it has been raining for the past few days.. I reached Clementi at about 5.55p.m Juz 5 mins before the actual time to meet. After that waited for a few more people. People like Sze Ming, Adrian, William and Miao Ting. Xiao Jane was already there with Shiying.. Ok, eventually we juz knew adrian and william.. hahas. We named adrian the Big bully, cause he always bully me and Sze Ming.. And William the Puberty guy who needs to eat more. lol. After that, went for Dinner. Bought food and drink. Had fun during dinner.. Ya! MiaoTing's from Mayflower Band. She said there will be a music exchange with henderson Band, Bedok north and etc. I was like really? How coincident? hahas. And she was like saying, Go for the exchange! And i was like Let me think. haha.

After Dinner, took bus 184 to Salvation Army. We were almost late.. When we reached there, we saw many other groups. We registered and headed to our room. Manz, it was cosy! There was a Tv, but we were not allowed to on it. That's the rule. hahas. Went back to Fellowship Hall and settled down at the front. We started by needing to know three new friends. i found two and eventually saw Pastor Hee Guan. And we were like BEST FRIENDS; BEST FRIENDS. Soon had worship. And followed by ministry. I had a vision of a cross. God Spoke to me to let go off everything and open up my heart to receive him. The Holy spirit came; The Lord came too. I cried and was touched. Warmth was felt within me. The Lord had touched my heart. I knew i had to let go of my fears and hatred. Example like fear for loneliness, hatred within my family etc. Lord was there to take away everything. Pastor HG prayed for me. The feeling of the Holy spirit was even stronger. The Lord spoke to me again that he will always be with me no matter what. And he laid hands on me. Though i'm not totally free form sins but i knew he took part of it. I felt a relieve! Not forgetting my Marmie[ Da Eunice] . She was there! She had rushed to salvation Army for me! Thank GOD! After that we watched 'The Crossing' video and had supper. I didn't want the bread, so i just drank Milo. Went back to room after that. Did my Sin list. I ticked alot of things. And it was to be a secret between me and GOD. After had a shower and went to bed. I was listening to my Mp3. After the fifth song, i fall alseep.
The next day, do some washed up and went down for breakfast. After had a session with Pastor Adrian. [Who is GOD?] Finally i got to know even more about GOD. I knew he longs for me to come back to hime. Truely to say, he will never reject us as he loved us as his sons and daughters. I really thank GOD that i was back into his kingdom and not being the lost sheep. I would also like to thanks my sisters adeline, Eunice etc who had been praying hard and long for me to return! Had ministry, the prescence of the holy spirit came touching me. This time God spoke to me saying Take my Hand, Trust in me for i am your Father. I will Blessed you! Whenever you are lonely, i will be there to hug you in my arms. I was blessed! The guys and the girls had to be seperated. So the girls went to the chapel on the second level. We had Pastor Yue Ping to talked about SIN. Did worshipping. Was scanning through my sins on my mid. I prayed hard to get rid of the hurtful thots that contained in me. Pastor talked about the Sins of Idolatry. I thot about the times where i used to pray to the idolatry and my ancestor. I prayed to GOD that i will break this in the name of JESUS! Shiying asked me what can she prayed for me. I told her i used to be blessed under one of the idolatry when i was young. As she was praying i senses the holy spirit working on me. I think i had received a special gift ftrom GOd just even before that seesion. which is to speak in tongues! It's a blessing ain't it. After that had lunch. And Games after that. We had a murder, his name is doustane. He was playing with the bball and it hit shiying. And Sze Ming and i were like MURDER! MURDER! lol. Ok, we were separated into 4 big groups. And we did some introducing. My! i can't rbm all the names.. And in our group there were onli five girls. Then we had this game. We were suppose to say the names of our just known brothers and sisters. Whoever has the ball when the music stop will had to do forth-fit. And eventually we got 12 people.. Hahas [G12] And they had to do a short prayer. One said 'HAD A NICE DAY' and we were like laughing out loud.. Then within our group we headed to the sports hall. We had captain's Ball. I played for awhile and settled down. Me and Sze Ming were looking at others playing.. at about 3.30p.m Cindy, Agnes, Xue Li came. Why? To celebrate Xiao Jane's Birthday! We sang the birthday song and went up to our rooms. We chat and had cakes. We took turns to shower. So Cindy had to go off. Bid goodbye. Xue li and Agnes was still there.. We crapped alot. Eventauly Xue li was my Da sotong. And she name me Ba Zhang[ Dumpling] And i name her Men Zhang[Boss of the Doors]. We both named shiying Ting Zhang[ Boss of living room]. Soon we had dinner and Xue li, agnes need to go. Bid goodbye. After Dinner we had the SIN"S solution session. Scan through my sin list to see what was missing. Worship started and was told to look through the sin list again to see what GOD has to work in in our sin list which is still a struggle to us. After that we nailed it onto the cross. As i was nailing, I got a vision of Jesus begin nailed onto the crossed. OUched! It was painful! I cried; Shying prayed for me that i will be break free. I got a few more visions, A tied knot which needs to be un-tied; The sin list which was nailed on the cross was filled with blood. I prayed quietly n my heart for a breakthrough. Soon i had a breakthrough. I was set free. After a while longer, we teared our SIN list. And i Say GODD BYE SIN LIST!!! I learned one vesus from Pastor Yeang Cherng [1 john1:9] If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just, And will forgive our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. Then we had the Baptism session. I want to be Baptized by Dec 2006. Firstly i'm proud to say i wrote my testimony but some amendments are needed to be done. In- waiting of my form to be signed. Deeply in my heart i prayed that my parents will give me the blessings to be baptized. I long to walk with my Father; My Lord! Also i wanted a breakthrough in my family that everyone will know Christ! Pray for Me!! =) Supper time. Red bean soup. And back to room. Did reflection and did some laughing and chatting. lol. Sze ming gave one big toilet roll as a present to our room mates.. lol. Slept at about 1 plus.
Sun 12 nov. Woke up at ard 6.20a.m. was on the bed until 7am. waited to take turns and Bathe. Packed up and had breakfast. Seat with Adrian and his guys. We wanted him to finish two bottles of drinks[ pepsi and Green tea] Automatic, his guys finish it.. Wonderful ain't it? haha. Then after that had a session with Pastor Jhee. [God working on the inside] i was slained by the holy spirit. i saw the vision of the cross. i speak in tongues. It was totally a great feeling! A short Break and had the vision session with Pastor Hee Guan. Yeah! My best friend!! Oh ya! Pastor Jhee was my Best Friend too! haha. After that had lunch. Was waiting for my Marmie Eunice to come. She reached ard 12.20pm. Juz on time to go expo for service with us. After that, board the bus. Seat with my Marmie. i talked with her about my encounter with God! It was so blessed! I didn't sleep on the bus. Marmie talked to me about many things which i need to rbm. Yeas. After that reached expo. Manz, something was wrong with my stomach. Went to toilet to puke. Was relieve after puking. hahas. Thanks to people Who blessed my stomach. lol. Buy some hot drinks and settled down. Marmie showed us a children's worship song. It was cute! After that Service started. We went forward to worship. And Guess what? Another vision came. I saw a pair of hands. and i started crying. Then we had Rev Melvyn Mak to preach on the sermon. [ Be acceptable- The final judgement.] Matthew 25:31-46.
3 points to rbm : 1. We need to reject indifference- Stop the sin of Omission 2. Reach out in identification-Seize every opp. to do good 3. Rejoice in our inheritance - see what occupies god's heart. I do learned alot of things during the sermon. And i found out i wasn't tired! Great ain't it? Probably because i was thirsty for the word of GOD. Amen! =)) After service we had the launching of the youth camp. i was one of the commitee. [ Publicity and Finance] Give me the money! lolx! After that saw Pastor Jhee, he asked me whether would i like to help again for the Ethnos emmanuel cluster tribe web desgin. I happily agree! Had cell processing. Did the discussion for 2007 focuses for Eunice Lim's Clan. Go Deep; Look Far; Ask Big. And also went throught the sermon. through this series of sermon, i know i had to be prepared for the return of the king and also i need to repent and prayed for abreakthrough. It was ard 5 plus when everything ended. Due to being a commitee in the Publicity and Finance group, i was told to be incharge of making postcards. Haha! Blessed me! Hopefully the outcome will be beautiful. In thinking of how to do it.
And alot of people said hi to me. And some i dun even know them. haha. =))
Blessed week ahead!!