Hi everyone,
We'll be having a CG event on 31st Dec (Friday). We'll be meeting up to have a good sharing and reflections on your individual lives and how this year has been for you. Hopefully we'll be able to catch up with everyone and find out how each one of us have been doing. We'll have dinner together then after that, the guys and girls will have separate sleepover and countdowns to the new year. The guys will be having it at Zenas' house and the girls will be sleeping over at mine.
Meet: 2.30pm
Location: Admiralty MRT
Before we meet, do already start reflecting on the year. Eg. Think about how whether or not God has been changing you throughout the year. Think about how you would like to see the CG improve etc... I really look forward to seeing you all this friday.
Love,
Germs
Monday, December 27, 2010
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Bible Study Topics
Hi all,
As we move closer and closer to a new year, I've been considering the different topics we can study during CG. I've had certain topics in mind already, but I hope that you'll really think about the topics that you personally want to learn more about. If you have anything you'd like to learn about, anything at all, please leave them in the comments section of this post. I know almost none of you will write anything, but please do think about it!!! All for your benefit :)
Germs
As we move closer and closer to a new year, I've been considering the different topics we can study during CG. I've had certain topics in mind already, but I hope that you'll really think about the topics that you personally want to learn more about. If you have anything you'd like to learn about, anything at all, please leave them in the comments section of this post. I know almost none of you will write anything, but please do think about it!!! All for your benefit :)
Germs
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Seek for the Truth!
Hey Guys,
Im writing to encourage us about seeking the truth!
I feel that many Christians nowadays do not read the Bible enough, including me.
Have we lost the the passion for knowing the God we worship?
Today, I just pondered about how little Biblical knowledge i have.
For example, i couldn't even name all of the 12 disciples of Jesus.
these are some 'important/popular' or more frequently heard names found in the Bible.
Abraham
Moses
David
Elijah
Isaiah
JESUS
Peter
Paul
Ask ourselves, how much do we know about these names? about their lives? their ministry?
some of us may know quite alot about these names, some of us may not have a clue who these people really are.
Now, lets try something 'simpler'..
These are some of the common words we sing in praise and adoration to God during worship.
Hosanna
Hallelujah
Emmanuel
ask ourselves again. do we know what we actually mean when we sing and cry out these words to God?
again, some of us may know, some of us may not
Then what is real faith if we do not know much about who we're putting this faith in.
So i hope that we all take sometime to really ponder and reflect about this in holy discontentment.
Let us take up this challenge of really building up our Biblical knowledge together!
love,
Zenas
Thursday, November 25, 2010
CG updates for December 2010
Hey everyone,
So sorry to say that CG this week is cancelled because the youth ministry will be having a camp meeting. There also won't be CG on the first sat of December because camp would have ended on friday and Pastor Tim wants CGs to take a break. So the next CG session will be on 11 Dec, led by Wee Theng. Unfortunately, I won't be around because I'll be travelling to USA from 4-17 Dec. I'll see you guys when I get back!
Summary:
27 Nov - CG cancelled
4 Dec - CG cancelled
11 Dec - CG led by Wee Theng
18 Dec - CG led by Germaine
I want to encourage those who have the bought the book "the call to follow Christ" to complete it during the holidays. Don't finish it for the sake of finishing. Really spend the time learning about God and praying over it. We'll be going through the book next year, which is coming incredibly soon.
Germs
So sorry to say that CG this week is cancelled because the youth ministry will be having a camp meeting. There also won't be CG on the first sat of December because camp would have ended on friday and Pastor Tim wants CGs to take a break. So the next CG session will be on 11 Dec, led by Wee Theng. Unfortunately, I won't be around because I'll be travelling to USA from 4-17 Dec. I'll see you guys when I get back!
Summary:
27 Nov - CG cancelled
4 Dec - CG cancelled
11 Dec - CG led by Wee Theng
18 Dec - CG led by Germaine
I want to encourage those who have the bought the book "the call to follow Christ" to complete it during the holidays. Don't finish it for the sake of finishing. Really spend the time learning about God and praying over it. We'll be going through the book next year, which is coming incredibly soon.
Germs
Monday, November 22, 2010
Details for Camp
Reporting time: 2 PM , 30th November
Packing List:
4 x sets of clothing
1 x dark colored t-shirt for girls and for guys who do not want to reveal their hairy chest
ample underwear
jacket
socks
school/track shoes or sandals (slippers isn’t adviced vigorous games)
slippers
towel
toiletries(soap, toothpaste/brush)
plastic bags for dirty clothes
stationery
sword of the spirit , our bible
medication- inhalers for asthmatics eg.
SCISSORS ( TLS AND ATLS)
TLS and ATLS please bring two big pails each. trust me the bigger the better!
p/s: all handphones would be safe kept on the first day and be given back on the last day of camp.
Packing List:
4 x sets of clothing
1 x dark colored t-shirt for girls and for guys who do not want to reveal their hairy chest
ample underwear
jacket
socks
school/track shoes or sandals (slippers isn’t adviced vigorous games)
slippers
towel
toiletries(soap, toothpaste/brush)
plastic bags for dirty clothes
stationery
sword of the spirit , our bible
medication- inhalers for asthmatics eg.
SCISSORS ( TLS AND ATLS)
TLS and ATLS please bring two big pails each. trust me the bigger the better!
p/s: all handphones would be safe kept on the first day and be given back on the last day of camp.
Badminton tomorrow!
Hi everyone,
We will be meeting for a badminton session tomorrow at Yishun. Meet at Admiralty MRT at 2.15pm, then we'll take bus 969 there. The court booking is from 3pm - 5pm. You're welcomed to ask your friends along if you'd like.
Summary
Date: 23 Nov 2010
Meeting place: Admiralty MRT
Time: 2.15pm
Bring: Sports attire, badminton racket, shuttlecock, bathing stuff (if you intend to bathe)
Hi everyone,
We will be meeting for a badminton session tomorrow at Yishun. Meet at Admiralty MRT at 2.15pm, then we'll take bus 969 there. The court booking is from 3pm - 5pm. You're welcomed to ask your friends along if you'd like.
Summary
Date: 23 Nov 2010
Meeting place: Admiralty MRT
Time: 2.15pm
Bring: Sports attire, badminton racket, shuttlecock, bathing stuff (if you intend to bathe)
Sitting on a Suitcase
http://www.ligonier.org/learn/devotionals/sitting-suitcase/
“For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. …I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account” (Phil. 1:21–24).
- Philippians 1:18b–26
A newly married couple found themselves needing to be picked up from their hotel and driven to the airport in order to catch a flight to Bermuda for their honeymoon. After calling a taxi company, they sat on their suitcases in the hotel lobby, watching and waiting for the driver to come. The husband was forced to call the company once more an hour later because somehow their reservation had become lost in the shuffle. Finally, the cab came, and they were able to get to their airplane and their final destination.
What do you suppose we would say if the couple refused to get in the car because they were having such a good time sitting on their suitcases? Would we not think that they were crazy? Yet how often are we like this couple, so attached to our present life that we live as if heaven does not exist? As Jonathan Edwards once said, so many of us live like the distracted traveler who takes up residence in a hotel along the way instead of pressing on to his destination.
The apostle Paul suffered no such attachment to this present life. As today’s passage demonstrates, he was well aware of the blessed hope awaiting him. We can detect a certain tension in his life. He enjoyed the fellowship he had with the Christians in Philippi, and he knew it was necessary for him to remain on earth and continue as their teacher. But what he really wanted was to see Jesus, for he also knew heaven is a far better place (Phil. 1:23–24). He knew that death is not finally a tragedy for the believer, because though we live in Christ, dying and being able to see Him face-to-face is gain (v. 21).
The contrast is between this life and the life to come. This life is good because “to live is Christ,” but heaven is not the “best” place to be. The “best” is yet future even for those in heaven now. Our glorification will not be complete until our physical bodies are resurrected (Rom. 6:5). The contrast in today’s passage is between good and better. Heaven, the place where believers go between death and resurrection, is not God’s final end for us, but it is better than this present life. Setting our hope on heaven will make us less concerned with our comforts and more desirous to help grow the Lord’s kingdom.
Coram Deo
When a believer dies, it is natural for the friends and family of the deceased to feel a profound sense of loss. But the deceased, if a Christian, feels no pain since he is ushered immediately into the presence of the Lord (2 Cor. 5:8). Have you come to the place where you understand that death is a great victory for all those who follow Jesus? If you fear death and are a Christian, remember that to live is Christ, but to die is gain.
http://www.ligonier.org/learn/devotionals/sitting-suitcase/
“For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. …I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account” (Phil. 1:21–24).
- Philippians 1:18b–26
A newly married couple found themselves needing to be picked up from their hotel and driven to the airport in order to catch a flight to Bermuda for their honeymoon. After calling a taxi company, they sat on their suitcases in the hotel lobby, watching and waiting for the driver to come. The husband was forced to call the company once more an hour later because somehow their reservation had become lost in the shuffle. Finally, the cab came, and they were able to get to their airplane and their final destination.
What do you suppose we would say if the couple refused to get in the car because they were having such a good time sitting on their suitcases? Would we not think that they were crazy? Yet how often are we like this couple, so attached to our present life that we live as if heaven does not exist? As Jonathan Edwards once said, so many of us live like the distracted traveler who takes up residence in a hotel along the way instead of pressing on to his destination.
The apostle Paul suffered no such attachment to this present life. As today’s passage demonstrates, he was well aware of the blessed hope awaiting him. We can detect a certain tension in his life. He enjoyed the fellowship he had with the Christians in Philippi, and he knew it was necessary for him to remain on earth and continue as their teacher. But what he really wanted was to see Jesus, for he also knew heaven is a far better place (Phil. 1:23–24). He knew that death is not finally a tragedy for the believer, because though we live in Christ, dying and being able to see Him face-to-face is gain (v. 21).
The contrast is between this life and the life to come. This life is good because “to live is Christ,” but heaven is not the “best” place to be. The “best” is yet future even for those in heaven now. Our glorification will not be complete until our physical bodies are resurrected (Rom. 6:5). The contrast in today’s passage is between good and better. Heaven, the place where believers go between death and resurrection, is not God’s final end for us, but it is better than this present life. Setting our hope on heaven will make us less concerned with our comforts and more desirous to help grow the Lord’s kingdom.
Coram Deo
When a believer dies, it is natural for the friends and family of the deceased to feel a profound sense of loss. But the deceased, if a Christian, feels no pain since he is ushered immediately into the presence of the Lord (2 Cor. 5:8). Have you come to the place where you understand that death is a great victory for all those who follow Jesus? If you fear death and are a Christian, remember that to live is Christ, but to die is gain.
Monday, November 15, 2010
What Is the Gospel?
by R.C. Sproul
There is no greater message to be heard than that which we call the Gospel. But as important as that is, it is often given to massive distortions or over simplifications. People think they’re preaching the Gospel to you when they tell you, ‘you can have a purpose to your life’, or that ‘you can have meaning to your life’, or that ‘you can have a personal relationship with Jesus.’ All of those things are true, and they’re all important, but they don’t get to the heart of the Gospel.
The Gospel is called the ‘good news’ because it addresses the most serious problem that you and I have as human beings, and that problem is simply this: God is holy and He is just, and I’m not. And at the end of my life, I’m going to stand before a just and holy God, and I’ll be judged. And I’ll be judged either on the basis of my own righteousness – or lack of it – or the righteousness of another. The good news of the Gospel is that Jesus lived a life of perfect righteousness, of perfect obedience to God, not for His own well being but for His people. He has done for me what I couldn’t possibly do for myself. But not only has He lived that life of perfect obedience, He offered Himself as a perfect sacrifice to satisfy the justice and the righteousness of God.
The great misconception in our day is this: that God isn’t concerned to protect His own integrity. He’s a kind of wishy-washy deity, who just waves a wand of forgiveness over everybody. No. For God to forgive you is a very costly matter. It cost the sacrifice of His own Son. So valuable was that sacrifice that God pronounced it valuable by raising Him from the dead – so that Christ died for us, He was raised for our justification. So the Gospel is something objective. It is the message of who Jesus is and what He did. And it also has a subjective dimension.
How are the benefits of Jesus subjectively appropriated to us? How do I get it? The Bible makes it clear that we are justified not by our works, not by our efforts, not by our deeds, but by faith – and by faith alone. The only way you can receive the benefit of Christ’s life and death is by putting your trust in Him – and in Him alone. You do that, you’re declared just by God, you’re adopted into His family, you’re forgiven of all of your sins, and you have begun your pilgrimage for eternity.
Source: http://www.ligonier.org/learn/articles
by R.C. Sproul
There is no greater message to be heard than that which we call the Gospel. But as important as that is, it is often given to massive distortions or over simplifications. People think they’re preaching the Gospel to you when they tell you, ‘you can have a purpose to your life’, or that ‘you can have meaning to your life’, or that ‘you can have a personal relationship with Jesus.’ All of those things are true, and they’re all important, but they don’t get to the heart of the Gospel.
The Gospel is called the ‘good news’ because it addresses the most serious problem that you and I have as human beings, and that problem is simply this: God is holy and He is just, and I’m not. And at the end of my life, I’m going to stand before a just and holy God, and I’ll be judged. And I’ll be judged either on the basis of my own righteousness – or lack of it – or the righteousness of another. The good news of the Gospel is that Jesus lived a life of perfect righteousness, of perfect obedience to God, not for His own well being but for His people. He has done for me what I couldn’t possibly do for myself. But not only has He lived that life of perfect obedience, He offered Himself as a perfect sacrifice to satisfy the justice and the righteousness of God.
The great misconception in our day is this: that God isn’t concerned to protect His own integrity. He’s a kind of wishy-washy deity, who just waves a wand of forgiveness over everybody. No. For God to forgive you is a very costly matter. It cost the sacrifice of His own Son. So valuable was that sacrifice that God pronounced it valuable by raising Him from the dead – so that Christ died for us, He was raised for our justification. So the Gospel is something objective. It is the message of who Jesus is and what He did. And it also has a subjective dimension.
How are the benefits of Jesus subjectively appropriated to us? How do I get it? The Bible makes it clear that we are justified not by our works, not by our efforts, not by our deeds, but by faith – and by faith alone. The only way you can receive the benefit of Christ’s life and death is by putting your trust in Him – and in Him alone. You do that, you’re declared just by God, you’re adopted into His family, you’re forgiven of all of your sins, and you have begun your pilgrimage for eternity.
Source: http://www.ligonier.org/learn/articles
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Hi everyone,
It's the holidays now and I'm sure that some of you are quite free. (I know some still have to go to school...) Instead of spending most of your time on the TV or internet, I want to encourage you to spend more time studying God's word.
I've found a great website with very good sermons. I've been listening to it quite a bit and I find the content really good. Those of you who are serious about learning more about God, do go check it out. Link below here!
http://www.ligonier.org/rym/
Love,
Germs
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
CG at my place
Hi everyone,
This Sat's CG will be at my house again. Let's meet at 2.15pm at Admiralty. Please be there on time:) Bring your Bibles and files.
Also, can I ask if anyone would like to volunteer their house for CG next week? We are homeless!
Germs
This Sat's CG will be at my house again. Let's meet at 2.15pm at Admiralty. Please be there on time:) Bring your Bibles and files.
Also, can I ask if anyone would like to volunteer their house for CG next week? We are homeless!
Germs
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Hi CG,
I really enjoyed the cookout we had that they. I must say, most of you really can cook... The only thing that was half-failed was the muffins. Still, they were edible. Anyway, can those who stayed to eat contribute $5 each for the ingredients? The leaders will cover the rest of the costs.
Because this week is the 5th week, we will not be having CG.
We were trying to think of more (informal) outings we can have as a CG and someone suggested Escape Themepark. I know some of the games a little old-skool already but I still think it will be funning going on all those rides together. I need everyone to send me their schedules so we can pick a good day.
Next sat (6th Nov) is open sunday so there won't be CG again. I will hand out the consent forms to you this week so you can get it signed by your parents. Holidays are coming... LOOKING FORWARD!
Love,
Germs
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Cook Out Yo
Hi all,
To celebrate the end of exams, we will be having a Cg outing next week. The theme: COOK OUT! Well, cook in will probably be more appropriate, since we're cooking indoors.
The plan
2pm Meet at Causeway point to buy the ingredients
2.45pm Split up into 3 different houses (Houses to be confirmed) to cook our respective meals.
5.30pm Meet (with our deliciously cooked food/horrendously impromptu-ed food) at one of the parks in Admiralty (to be confirmed)
The teams have been divided below!
Team 1: Beef Burgers, Onion rings
Wee Theng
Eve
Amanda
Xin Ting
Kai Li
Ryan
Shaun
Team 2: Shepherds Pie
Germaine
Nadia
Zi Yin
Patrizha
Charmian (To be confirmed)
Marcus
Joshua (To be Confirmed)
Ian
Hao Jie
Team 3: Muffins, Mushroom soup
Grace
Celestine
David
Brandon
Zenas
Jun Chuan
Wee Theng and I are REALLY EXCITED!!!
Please let us know if you can't make it. ♥
Call me if you have any questions!
Love,
Germs
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Mutual Encouragement
We had a leader's meeting yesterday and the topic was on encouragement. Listening to Pastor Kenny share, I couldn't help but wonder "Do I encourage the Cg enough?". After much thinking, I decided that I should make a list of things that I'm encouraged by and share it with you guys, so that you will be encouraged as well. Mutual encouragement!
(Ahem... pardon my amateur drawing!)
Feelin encouraged yet?
Well I actually had one more point: I'm encouraged when you do your homework.
I forgot to take a picture of it so it's not online :/
But you guys get the point right?
The leaders are most encouraged when we see you reflecting the glory and love of Christ.
I really enjoy leading you all, despite how tough it can be :)
Love,
Germs
We had a leader's meeting yesterday and the topic was on encouragement. Listening to Pastor Kenny share, I couldn't help but wonder "Do I encourage the Cg enough?". After much thinking, I decided that I should make a list of things that I'm encouraged by and share it with you guys, so that you will be encouraged as well. Mutual encouragement!
(Ahem... pardon my amateur drawing!)
Feelin encouraged yet?
Well I actually had one more point: I'm encouraged when you do your homework.
I forgot to take a picture of it so it's not online :/
But you guys get the point right?
The leaders are most encouraged when we see you reflecting the glory and love of Christ.
I really enjoy leading you all, despite how tough it can be :)
Love,
Germs
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Sin in a Christian's life
I was at a Christian bookstore yesterday, when a lady started talking to me. She was trying to recommend me some books by Watchman Nee, a Chinese writer and preacher. She told me that many Christians avoid Watchman Nee's books because he is very honest in writing about God's expectations of Christians. I do think God expects a lot, but isn't it amazing that He doesn't expect us to do it alone. We have the Holy Spirit in us to guide us.Well anyway, the lady and I ended up talking about sin in a Christian's life and how Christians are supposed to be growing and never staying stagnant.
Consider your own life. Compared to how you were one or two years ago, have you become more Christ-like? Has the spirit been working in you? And have you been obeying its promptings? We can never reach perfection and we should never be satisfied with the level we are at!
The book of 1 John has very clear words. 1 John 3:4 Everyone who sins breaks the law; in fact, sin is lawlessness. But you know that he appeared so that he might take away our sins. And in him is no sin. No one who lives in him keeps on sinning. No one who continues to sin has either sin him or known him.
My cousin told me that he had a friend who memorised the entire book of 1 John. And with good reason! The book takes a very strong stand on people who claim to be in Christ yet continue to indulge in sin! How can someone who has an encounter with the LORD MOST HIGH remain unrepentant and continue in his own way?
I worry sometimes when I look at Christian youths who have no intention of changing their ways. I've been there once. Was worse than you would have imagined. As I encountered Christ, I couldn't help but change. Sin made me feel too guilty. It no longer had the same appeal compared to the glory of God and the inheritance to come!
Are you disrespectful to teachers? Do you cursed and sweared online and offline? Do you lie? Do you dishonour your parents? Are you unkind to your classmates? Do you gossip on your blog? These are just few of the many potential sins we could commit.
I'm not sure if you're aware, but sometimes when Christians speak, there almost seems to be a complete DISREGARD of God! What lack of fear and reverance we have nowadays... I do believe that many people will die THINKING they knew Jesus but Jesus would say "Depart from me, I never knew you." My heart goes out to people who have a false assurance of salvation. When you don't see Christ in your life, you have to wonder, is He really in your life?
Sanctification is a two way street. The Holy Spirit will promt, but you have to obey. Please know that you're never living up to the leader's standards but the GOD MOST HIGH's. At the end of your life, we are not the ones you'll be facing, it's God. I do want to wish all of you the best in your walk with God. Learn to seek Him with all your heart!
Love,
Germs
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Exam Period
Exams again?!
Hi Effervescence,
I know it's exam period again. For some reason, your exam period seems to be all year round. Hearing from other CGs, every time exam period comes, commitment to God seems to drop. Studying becomes an excuse to neglect God. What does it say when we place a bigger importance on studies than on God? I do want to encourage you all to be exceptionally faithful to God during this time. I believe it's tempting to compromise on CG, service, Bible study, quiet time... But I also believe that when you honour God, God will honour you.
If we are faithful to God ONLY in the good and easy times, what does that really show about us? It's when things are getting tough that your faith and steadfastness is truly tested. I know how tedious studying is. But don't let it cause you to lose sight of God. Keep God in the centre of it. Honour Him by studying hard and honour Him by spending time with Him, even when time is already limited.
Try this: Every time you get ready to start studying (even after a break), begin with an heartfelt prayer to God. Seek to please Him with your studies and ask for His wisdom and strength to study hard.
May our CG learn to live for God :)
Germs
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Confession
Confession
I must admit, I never really liked confession.
I have a weakness - Pride. Because of my pride, I never really liked confessing my sins to God. Why? Because it forced me to think about the wrong things I did or was still doing. I like to think that I'm a relatively good person. Now that I think about it, what arrogance and self-righteousness I was demonstrating...
Now, I've learnt that confession and repentance (from new sins I commit) should be the norm for a Christian. It's not because I will go to hell if I don't confess! Definitely not! But every time I sin or continue to sin, my relationship or fellowship with God will be affected. Confessing and repenting restores the relationship with God and gives me the confidence to draw near to Him again.
Don't take sin lightly because God doesn't take it lightly. Confess. God will be ready to forgive you. Below is an article from gotquestions.org on the topic of confession:)
Love,
Germs
Question: "Why do we need to confess our sins if they have already been forgiven (1 John 1:9)?"
Answer: The apostle Paul wrote, “To the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding” (Ephesians 1:6-8). This forgiveness is referring to salvation, in which God has taken our sins and removed them from us “as far as the east is from the west” (Psalm 103:12). This is the judicial forgiveness that God gives us upon receiving Jesus Christ as Savior. All our past, present, and future sins are forgiven on a judicial basis, meaning that we will not suffer eternal judgment for our sins. We still often suffer consequences of sin while we are here on earth, however, which brings us to the question at hand.
The difference between Ephesians 1:6-8 and 1 John 1:9 is that John is dealing with what we call “relational,” or “familial,” forgiveness—like that of a father and a son. For example, if a son does something wrong to his father—falling short of his expectations or rules—the son has hindered his fellowship with his father. He remains the son of his father, but the relationship suffers. Their fellowship will be hindered until the son admits to his father that he has done wrong. It works the same way with God; our fellowship with Him is hindered until we confess our sin. When we confess our sin to God, the fellowship is restored. This is relational forgiveness.
“Positional” forgiveness, or judicial forgiveness, is that which is obtained by every believer in Christ. In our position as members of the body of Christ, we have been forgiven of every sin we have ever committed or ever will commit. The price paid by Christ on the cross has satisfied God’s wrath against sin, and no further sacrifice or payment is necessary. When Jesus said, “It is finished,” He meant it. Our positional forgiveness was obtained then and there.
Confession of sin will help to keep us from the discipline of the Lord. If we fail to confess sin, the discipline of the Lord is sure to come until we do confess it. As stated previously, our sins are forgiven at salvation (positional forgiveness), but our daily fellowship with God needs to stay in good standing (relational forgiveness). Proper fellowship with God cannot happen with unconfessed sin in our lives. Therefore, we need to confess our sins to God as soon as we are aware that we have sinned, in order to maintain close fellowship with God.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Guilt
Guilt
Hi all,
I don't know how your walk with God has been recently. But if it hasn't been good, if you feel like you've been sinning, if you feel so ashamed and guilty, I just want to encourage you to go back to God in repentance. God's love for you is not dependent on how you behave. If you are a child of God, there is no sin so big that Jesus' blood cannot wash away.
I was recently thinking about the idea of guilt. You know that since we are children of God, every time we sin, the Holy Spirit in us will convict us of sin and this can sometimes make us feel guilty. Satan can try to use this guilt to make us hide away from God. But the right way is that this guilt should drive us to stop that sin and turn to God in repentance and look for His forgiveness. Don't let this guilt drive you away from God. Seek His help in removing this sin from your life.
Germs
Hi all,
I don't know how your walk with God has been recently. But if it hasn't been good, if you feel like you've been sinning, if you feel so ashamed and guilty, I just want to encourage you to go back to God in repentance. God's love for you is not dependent on how you behave. If you are a child of God, there is no sin so big that Jesus' blood cannot wash away.
I was recently thinking about the idea of guilt. You know that since we are children of God, every time we sin, the Holy Spirit in us will convict us of sin and this can sometimes make us feel guilty. Satan can try to use this guilt to make us hide away from God. But the right way is that this guilt should drive us to stop that sin and turn to God in repentance and look for His forgiveness. Don't let this guilt drive you away from God. Seek His help in removing this sin from your life.
Germs
Sunday, August 22, 2010
The Gospel of Salvation
What is the importance of understanding the full gospel?
The gospel is the message of salvation (the work of Jesus Christ) and our understanding of it affects our salvation. If we accept a false gospel, we are NOT SAVED, no matter how much we believe in it.
This year, God has been placing this burden on me: Do you know how many people believe they are saved and yet are not? They live any way they like and think that just because they said the sinner's prayer that they will be guaranteed a spot in heaven. This is not how it works. The sinner's prayer is not a password into heaven.
What is saving faith?
There are 3 elements to faith. Intellectual - We need to understand the message of the gospel intellectually and be convicted of it, that is, to believe it in. Emotional - We need to have a personal heart surrender to God. Lifestyle - A real understanding and belief in the precious salvation of Jesus Christ will cause a change in the way we live our lives. We fully repent of our old lives and with the Holy Spirit's help, we start to live our new lives in Jesus Christ.
Romans 8:5-9
Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace; the sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God's law, nor can it do so. Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God. You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ.
Is it possible to be a true Christian and behave like the world?
No. Read the above verse, Romans 8:5-9. What determines if we belong to Christ is whether or not we have the Holy Spirit in us. (God will not send someone with Holy Spirit in him to Hell) If we have the Holy Spirit in us, we will slowly be transformed by the work of the Holy Spirit and be made into Christ's likeness. If anyone claims to be a Christian yet does not learn to submit himself to God's law, he should really think twice about whether or not he has really received the Holy Spirit.
Examine yourselves!
2 Corinthians 13:5
Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test?
The Bible tells us to examine ourselves to see if we are truly Christians. Ask yourself this: Do you see the Holy Spirit's work in transforming you more and more like Christ? Are you always focused on the sinful things of this world or is your mind set on spiritual things like pleasing God. Do you see the fruit of the spirit in you? Are you any different from the world?!
These are questions I certainly cannot answer for you. Yet these are life-defining questions that pertain to salvation. Dear members, I certainly pray for you. I pray hard. I'm afraid many of us are not living lives of repentance yet. Before we receive Christ in our lives, we truly need to repent of ALL our sinful acts and commit to stop doing them. Every time we fall into them again, we need to confess and repent. This is why repentance is not something that happens once at the point of conversion but it's something we should be doing everyday.
How many sins did it take to condemn the world? One sin. Yet we commit so many sins a day and think nothing of it. Let's stop living by our sinful natures and start living by the Spirit. Repent and ask God to change you today. If any of you feel unsure of your salvation and would like to commit to Jesus Christ again and be assured of your salvation, please come to me. I would really like to help.
In His love,
Germs
What is the importance of understanding the full gospel?
The gospel is the message of salvation (the work of Jesus Christ) and our understanding of it affects our salvation. If we accept a false gospel, we are NOT SAVED, no matter how much we believe in it.
This year, God has been placing this burden on me: Do you know how many people believe they are saved and yet are not? They live any way they like and think that just because they said the sinner's prayer that they will be guaranteed a spot in heaven. This is not how it works. The sinner's prayer is not a password into heaven.
What is saving faith?
There are 3 elements to faith. Intellectual - We need to understand the message of the gospel intellectually and be convicted of it, that is, to believe it in. Emotional - We need to have a personal heart surrender to God. Lifestyle - A real understanding and belief in the precious salvation of Jesus Christ will cause a change in the way we live our lives. We fully repent of our old lives and with the Holy Spirit's help, we start to live our new lives in Jesus Christ.
Romans 8:5-9
Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace; the sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God's law, nor can it do so. Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God. You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ.
Is it possible to be a true Christian and behave like the world?
No. Read the above verse, Romans 8:5-9. What determines if we belong to Christ is whether or not we have the Holy Spirit in us. (God will not send someone with Holy Spirit in him to Hell) If we have the Holy Spirit in us, we will slowly be transformed by the work of the Holy Spirit and be made into Christ's likeness. If anyone claims to be a Christian yet does not learn to submit himself to God's law, he should really think twice about whether or not he has really received the Holy Spirit.
Examine yourselves!
2 Corinthians 13:5
Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test?
The Bible tells us to examine ourselves to see if we are truly Christians. Ask yourself this: Do you see the Holy Spirit's work in transforming you more and more like Christ? Are you always focused on the sinful things of this world or is your mind set on spiritual things like pleasing God. Do you see the fruit of the spirit in you? Are you any different from the world?!
These are questions I certainly cannot answer for you. Yet these are life-defining questions that pertain to salvation. Dear members, I certainly pray for you. I pray hard. I'm afraid many of us are not living lives of repentance yet. Before we receive Christ in our lives, we truly need to repent of ALL our sinful acts and commit to stop doing them. Every time we fall into them again, we need to confess and repent. This is why repentance is not something that happens once at the point of conversion but it's something we should be doing everyday.
How many sins did it take to condemn the world? One sin. Yet we commit so many sins a day and think nothing of it. Let's stop living by our sinful natures and start living by the Spirit. Repent and ask God to change you today. If any of you feel unsure of your salvation and would like to commit to Jesus Christ again and be assured of your salvation, please come to me. I would really like to help.
In His love,
Germs
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Friday, August 13, 2010
Hi,
Hope everyone has been doing ok. I'm sure most of you are just really busy right now, seeing that your 4-day break just ended and your teachers are probably laying tons of homework on you now. I was reading the book of James and it was just another reminder that when we face trials, not only do we have to persevere through them, we actually have to do it joyfully!
I'm still praying for you all. Feel free to let me know if you have any prayer requests!
Love,
Germs
Hope everyone has been doing ok. I'm sure most of you are just really busy right now, seeing that your 4-day break just ended and your teachers are probably laying tons of homework on you now. I was reading the book of James and it was just another reminder that when we face trials, not only do we have to persevere through them, we actually have to do it joyfully!
I'm still praying for you all. Feel free to let me know if you have any prayer requests!
Love,
Germs
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Prosperity Gospel?
Is the Prosperity Gospel the REAL gospel?
The prosperity gospel does not prepare us to endure for Christ
This 2nd video is longer than the 1st one. Watch it to understand what is so dangerous about the prosperity gospel, the same gospel that's being preached in churches like New Creation. The problem with the prosperity gospel is that it does not prepare us to suffer for Christ. Instead it teaches us to expect riches and blessings in this life. We should be wary of it
The prosperity gospel does not prepare us to endure for Christ
This 2nd video is longer than the 1st one. Watch it to understand what is so dangerous about the prosperity gospel, the same gospel that's being preached in churches like New Creation. The problem with the prosperity gospel is that it does not prepare us to suffer for Christ. Instead it teaches us to expect riches and blessings in this life. We should be wary of it
Sunday, August 1, 2010
A pleasing offering
Mark 12:41-44
Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a fraction of a penny. Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on."
I've always like this story since I first heard it as a little girl in Sunday school. To the rest of the world, the money that the rich people threw into the treasury would seem like such a HUGE sacrifice. Yet Jesus' attention went to a poor widow who threw such a small amount - 2 copper coins. Jesus later explained that it was her attitude that made her offering so special. Yes, the rich people seemed to have given a lot, but it was only a fraction of their money. The widow, however, had given God her all... her best.
Even in my service for God, I sometimes forget this story. For example, designing is something that comes quite naturally for me. So when I design things for church, I don't give it my best since I can accomplish without much effort. Then when I see that the product looks quite nice, I get really proud of myself. But that's not how God measures our service and offering is it? God sees the heart behind it. I'm obliged to give Him my best because every skill I have came from Him.
Yalpha
I'm glad that many of us are now serving in Yalpha. However, I want to remind everyone that whenever we offer our service to God, we have to give our BEST, no matter how small our roles may seem. Don't you believe that God deserves our best?
The youth leaders have agreed... There is something seriously lacking in Yalpha, and it has something to do with the hearts of those who are serving. Search deep within your heart and ask yourself if you have truly given God your best. Sadly, even I'm ashamed to say that I haven't. I was talking to Marcus today, and he just seemed so... disappointed. He thinks he wasn't good enough as a leader. And it made me feel really sad. How much more do you think we've disappointed God?
I'm repenting to God for my lack of commitment and enthusiasm towards Yalpha. If you think you haven't been giving God your best, I hope you will do the same as well. Effervescence, let's present an offering of sacrifice that will truly please God, not one that God looks at with disappointment. From now onwards, let's give our best to God.
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Cheapening the Blood of Jesus Christ
Hebrews 10:26-31
If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God. Anyone who rejected the law of Moses died without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. How much more severely do you think a man deserves to be punished who has trampled the Son of God under foot, who has treated as an unholy thing the blood of the covenant that sanctified him, and who has insulted the Spirit of grace? For we know him who said, "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," and again, "The Lord will judge his people." It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
It's sad how today, so many people today call themselves Christians when they're actions obviously show otherwise. GRACE GRACE GRACE. That's what they tell themselves, as if Jesus' blood on the cross and the grace he showed is an excuse for them to live anyway they want. We have severely cheapened God's grace. And what does Hebrews tell us about that? If the people were so severely punished for rejecting Moses' law, how much worse do you think they will be punished for cheapening the blood of Jesus.
1 John 2:4
We know that we have come to know him if we obey his commands. The man who says, "I know him," but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But if anyone obeys his word, God's love is truly made complete in him. This is how we know we are in him: Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did.
And the Bible has tons of other verses like this one. Isn't it obvious? We are Christians not because we call ourselves Christians. If we truly are Children of God, our lives will reflect the glory of God! Of course we won't be sinless, but we will show desire for His Holiness. Notice the last line "whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did". The Bible is full of other such verses that remind us that what we do reflect what we really believe? Do you REALLY believe Jesus died for you? Do you REALLY believe God expects holiness from you? If you REALLY believe it, you would live your life as if you believed it.
This is not to say we work our way to heaven. No, I've repeated time and time again, Jesus' precious blood is what redeemed us. And what amazing grace this is. But the knowledge of this sacrifice should change the way we live our lives completely! Stop playing with Sin and treating it like a small matter. The blood of Jesus is NOT TO BE CHEAPENED.
In his love,
Germs
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Hope everyone has been doing ok at school. Recently, I've been trying to devote more time studying God's word. And I mean really studying. How many of you guys actually spend time reading the Bible. Not just random verses here and there, but purposefully reading it chapter by chapter?
I've been going for this new Bible study class. I'm really thankful to God that I got to know of the place because there's not many other places that I can go to to get in dept teachings on the Bible. The teacher's name is Cecilia Perh and she started this ministry to teach the word of God for free. On the website, she writes" My heart has always been to pass on whatever good things that I've learnt and so this ministry, 2Tim2-2.com, is a realization of that heart's desire to pass on to others what our gracious Lord has taught me through the many years of studying His precious Word inductively."
The class that I went for (and will be going for) for is on Colossians, but after the first lesson, I was so inspired by how she explained the scriptures to us that I decided to buy her MP3 series on the book of Hebrews. I counted the number of tracks and it amounts to 55 hours in total! I'm working on that bit by bit now.
On reading the Bible
There were certain things she mentioned that I thought was really important. Many of us are not used to reading the Bible as a whole. Instead, we simply take a few random verses, "meditate" on it and assume our job's done. We cannot expect to truly understand and interpret God's word accurately if we don't read His word in context.
As we read the different verses in the Bible, we need to understand how they fit in with the rest of the book, and even how it fits into the entire Bible. For example, if we are reading the New Testament, we need to know who the writers were, who they were addressing, what their purpose was, and what they were saying etc. As we read, we need to keep asking ourselves questions.
There are 3 basics to interpreting the Bible:
Observation teaches you to see precisely what the passage says. It is the basis for accurate interpretation and correct application. Observation answers the question: What does the passage say?
Interpretation answers the question: What does the passage mean?
Application answers the question: What does God want me to do now with this knowledge?
The problem with us is that we usually read a passage and try to apply it straight away without first understanding the real context and how God intended for it to be read. Of course the explanation above is just very brief and hopefully, we can all go for a Bible Study equipping class together to better learn how to accurately understand and interpret the Bible.
For now, let's dilligently read the scriptures, not just random verses but book by book.
In his love,
Germs
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Hi,
Thanks everyone, for coming for CG this week. And thank you to the 3 guys who shared on their different passages. I especially want to commend JC for his work. I know that teaching is not something you're completely comfortable with but I thank you for putting effort into it. I think you did a good job.
A big welcome to Wee Theng. I'm really glad that you are joining the CG. Even from the 1st session, I can already see that you have a lot of insight to offer and I'm excited to see what you can bring to the CG. We're really happy to have you here. I'm sure everyone's just delighted to have a new leader :)
I don't know how school has been for you all, but I'm starting to feel the load of it all. I feel like my life has been split into 2 major sections, Music and God. Half the time is spent learning and teaching music. Then the other half is spent learning and teaching about God. It's quite funny when you put it that way.
I just realise we hardly share much about ourselves and I really think we should start doing so as a CG. My young adult recently started email chains where everyone just emails each other about how they've been doing and since then, we've grown a lot closer. I hope we can start something like that as well. Possibly by email. We'll see.
Sometimes (well, actually most of the time) I find leading a CG tiring and stressful. You have no idea the kind of burden I feel for the CG daily and how many times your different names pop up in my mind. Over the years, I've learnt to pour my worry, excitement, and sometimes even the pain that I feel because of the CG into God's hands.
I have learnt that while I am your leader, you are more importantly God's children and there's no way I could ever care for you more perfectly that God can. Seeing the growth in some of you, I'm glad to be one of the leaders that God has used to mould you. It's not my work but God's. I know I must stop trying to take things fully into my own hands, but let God do his work of transformation in you.
As mentioned during our last meeting, we are starting on the new series - the devotional book that you all bought. Remember to finish the 1st chapter before we meet again next sat. I look forward to seeing everyone again next week.
In his perfect love and my imperfect one,
Germs
Philippians 1:9-11
And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.
Monday, July 5, 2010
CG on 10 July
Hi everyone,
Look forward to seeing you all this saturday again. Let's meet at Admiralty MRT station at 2pm. Do bring your Bibles, files, BS material and pens. And please try to come on time. David... bathe quickly! Celeste, leave your house on time! :) Can't wait to meet everyone again.
In his love,
Germs
Friday, July 2, 2010
Nick Vujicic
Nick Vujicic
As humans, we complain far too easily. We fall into self-pity, grumble, and feel depressed over the smallest things. I know I'm definitely guilty of that.
Below is the inspiring story of Nick Vujicic, the son of a pastor born with no arms and legs. Watch how he struggled growing up, questioning why God made him like this. It's amazing how someone like him could grow up into the confident, joyful person that he is today. It really made me see how small my problems are compared to what some others face. His story has inspired millions around the world, and I believe it will inspire you as well :)
Check out his full story at:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/worldnews/article-1196755/The-astonishing-story-man-born-arms-legs--world-famous-swimmer-surfer-footballer.html
Or search Youtube for more of his talks.
Sunday, June 27, 2010
CG beach outing
CG Beach Outing
Hi Effervescence,
You guys did a great job planning and executing the beach event we had on Saturday. I'm very proud of all of you. A big thank you for those who prayed, for those who invited their friends, for those who made an effort to talk to the guests, for those who planned... and for everyone who came.
I was really worried at first because of the rain. But praise God! The rain stopped just as quickly as it started and our event still went on. A few of our guests actually said they had fun and that they would join us for other events in the future. Even though during this event, we didn't get much of a chance to share about the God whom we believe in and love, I believe that we've already accomplished the first step in introducing them to our CG. Do continue to pray for them and invite them for yalpha and other events!
This is one event that's really made me see that our CG can be outward looking. We can be unselfish. We can be loving. I don't know about you guys, but now I'm even more excited to see what else we can be doing for the people around us. Our friends, neighbours and even our community. My prayer is that our CG is one that God can actively use to touch the lives of others.
Well done, Effervescence. Your leaders are really encouraged.
Love,
Germs
P.S. Can I say again how touching the cake surprise was (:
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
How pastors get rich
How pastors get rich
http://www.cultwatch.com/HowPastorsGetRich.html
I came across an interesting article recently entitled "how pastors get rich". I read it and thought it was rather true. The article talks about several methods that SOME pastors use to feed off their congregation and get rich... And the worse thing is that these can be done so subtly that it seems totally ok!
One example was how Pastors earn money from the selling of books, tapes, DVDs, and conferences, and t-shirts. Then they use this fake success to tell Christians that when they pour money into the church, God will pour riches into their lives. This is the prosperity gospel - That Christians are supposed to be living a blessed life in terms of health, wealth and more. They use this to get Christians to donate and buy whatever they tell them to.
Btw, about the prosperity gospel... I'm not sure if any of you buy into it... I for one believe that Jesus, as well as his disciples really SUFFERED for the gospel. We, as his followers are expected to do the same. I don't agree that all Christians should be living a charmed life full of luxuries. I find it hard to accept pastors living extravagantly.
One other point they made is how some pastors own businesses and get their congregation to patronize their business.
Not many pastors are like that, so let's not stereotype. It is good, however, for us to be careful. When we give money to God, it should be out of a grateful and cheerful heart ... not under pressure or compulsion. God has blessed us with so much and in response, we want to give back for that money to be used for his kingdom and glory. We also have to be careful that we are giving money to the right people and places.
I've posted the link on top for those who would like to read up more about it. It's quite a long article, so you can just skim through and read the parts you find more relevant.
In his love,
Germs
Sat Beach event
Hi all,
There's been some changes to this sat's event. We were not able to book a BBQ pit so we will be bringing and ordering food instead! Continue to pray and invite your friends!
Germaine
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Hi everyone,
This coming Sat is our CG BBQ picnic thing! The purpose of this is really not to just have fun, but to bring our friends and invite them to join Yalpha afterwards. Please start asking your friends and confirming with me the number of people who are coming so we can prepare the right number of food.
I'm really excited as this is a very good chance for our friends and non-believers to come and get to know how Christians are like. I hope everyone takes this seriously. Start praying for the event. And on the day itself, we will have have to be "facilitators", making an effort to mix with the newcomers and ensuring that no one is left out.
We will be meeting at 1.30pm at Woodlands MRT. Each one should contribute $10 for the event but for the friends, it's free! You can msg me if you have any questions. Look forward to seeing you and your friends there. :)
Friday, June 11, 2010
Hey guys!
so youth EE just ended yesterday and i just want to encourage you guys to go for the next one which may be either this year end or next year june.
when i first heard bout youth EE from my brother last year, it was when he was practicing how to share the gospel with me. and it made me interested to learning how to share as well. so before attending youth EE, i was really excited but yet nervous to share the gospel with others. But after the 4 days of EE, i realise that it was not as frightening as i thought it would be. and through all of the experiences i gained from street E ( sharing on the streets) i could really see how God can work in many wonderous ways. we reached out and shared the gospel with 31 youths, which 5 came to know and accepted christ! (clap clap!) This whole EE training has made me want to reach out to the lost even more now cus i know how to share the gospel properly now.
it was also really tiring during the 4 days of youth EE as before that we had like alpha training, but it was super enjoyable! and i realise how much better use of my time equipping myself rather than just slacking and lazing around at home.
so come for the next one cause its going to be awesome(: you'll learn so much in 4 days! although street E may seem scary but when you're able to share the gospel with with others, it such a great thing! i'll not explain to much about EE cause i want you guys to experience it for yourselves(:
so enjoy your holidays guys(:
peace out!
zenas
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Next sat
Hey all,
I had fun at open Sunday this week. Next week, CG will be at my place again. Marcus will be the 1st the lead the 10-min Bible Study. (3 Cheers to Marcus!) Ian will be leading us in a time of worship. I'm excited to see more and more of you take leadership roles in CG!
Let's meet at 2.15pm at Admiralty. Please do not be late! Keep your evening free because after Bible Study, we'll pack dinner and go... KITE FLYING. No, excuse me... kite flying is NOT lame... It happens to be extremely popular at the moment. We'll go to the hill near admiralty. In the evenings, there are tons of people flying kites there with their families and friends. I went to have a look and the place was beautiful with all the kites in the sky and the sunset behind them.
Those who have kites, please bring. Or we can buy some and share. They're not too expensive. Maybe $5 per kite. Oh wait. How about making making a kite with a huge CROSS on it? Lol. Ok. Thinking too much.
See you all on sat.
In his love,
Germs
I had fun at open Sunday this week. Next week, CG will be at my place again. Marcus will be the 1st the lead the 10-min Bible Study. (3 Cheers to Marcus!) Ian will be leading us in a time of worship. I'm excited to see more and more of you take leadership roles in CG!
Let's meet at 2.15pm at Admiralty. Please do not be late! Keep your evening free because after Bible Study, we'll pack dinner and go... KITE FLYING. No, excuse me... kite flying is NOT lame... It happens to be extremely popular at the moment. We'll go to the hill near admiralty. In the evenings, there are tons of people flying kites there with their families and friends. I went to have a look and the place was beautiful with all the kites in the sky and the sunset behind them.
Those who have kites, please bring. Or we can buy some and share. They're not too expensive. Maybe $5 per kite. Oh wait. How about making making a kite with a huge CROSS on it? Lol. Ok. Thinking too much.
See you all on sat.
In his love,
Germs
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Mini Bible Studies Series
Mini Bible Studies Series
Hi everyone, from this month forth, we will get one of you to conduct a 10-minute Bible Study session during CG. We actually tried this for a while but discontinued when everyone got busy. I have already assigned the topics to the following people:
June
12 June: Marcus - Hebrews 5:11 - 6:3
19 June: David - 1 Corinthians 2:10-16
26 June: Zenas - Mark 12:28-31
July
10 July: Jun Chuan - Luke 10:38-42
17 July: Ryan - John 16:5-16
24 July: Brandon - Romans 8:5-14
August
07 August: Celestine - Romans 13:1-7
14 August: Grace - Ephesians 4:11-16
21 August: Ian - Philippians 2:3-11
September
11 September: Patrizha - 2 Timothy 2:14-19
18 September: Amanda - Matthew 24:36-44
Please make sure you're able to come on the week that you're due for leading. Check in advance and if you really can't make it, find someone who's able to switch schedules and let me know so I can change the date.
I want to encourage everyone to take this seriously. Don't do this last minute. Take the time out to pray and study God's word. Most importantly, don't try to teach in your own strength! The point is not to show off what you know! Rather, ask that the Holy Spirit will reveal to you the truth about his word. Pray for understanding.
If you would like help in preparing for the study, you can approach Wei Sheng or me. Enjoy!
In his love,
Germs
Monday, May 31, 2010
EE training
EE training from 7 - 10 June! I encourage everyone who's available to go for it! I used it to share the gospel with my friend and it was really effective and helpful. Those who would like to sign up, please let me know ASAP!
Germs
Friday, May 28, 2010
Love Love Love
Love Love Love
I thought it was quite interesting that the topic of Love has been coming up more and more recently. We talked about it 2 weeks ago during CG. For those who remember, it was specifically about loving the less fortunate around us: The needy, the poor, the lonely, the abused etc. Throughout the Bible, God has mentioned this over and over again. I believe this is definitely something that is heavily on his heart.
I thought it was interesting that we were greeted by the exact topic again this year during the Adult Global Day of Prayer. We prayed especially for the migrant workers in Singapore. And you know what, before Global Day of prayer, I actually decided to attend our Church's Chinese service and guess what the topic was... LOVE.
Pastor Ho preached about Jesus telling the people the 2 most important commandments - Love the Lord your God and love the people around you. The pharisees had asked Jesus only for the most important commandment, yet Jesus gave 2. The reason for that is because loving God and loving people go hand in hand. You cannot love God if you don't love the people around you. What a huge and scary truth this is.
Now, this love that we are talking about is not just a feeling you have in your heart. It is a practical, unselfish and unconditional love. It means showing care and respecting people.
I don't think it's any coincidence that God has been reminding us over and over again to love. He wants us to do something about it. I know we are a young CG, but we are not going into the world by ourselves, we are going in God's strength. I want us to stop living in our sheltered Christian bubble. Being a Christian means going out into the world and getting our hands dirty. Let's pray and ask God how we can be loving the community around us and thus, showing them that there's a God who loves them.
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Congrats to the 5 baptised members
Just a short note to say CONGRATULATIONS to the 5 baptised members of Effervescence!
Grace
Patrizha
Ryan
David
Zenas
I want to say again that I'm very proud of this commitment you're making to Jesus Christ - telling the world that you really want to make him Lord of your life. My prayer is that you live your life as if you have the name JESUS plastered on your forehead. Since the world is going to identify you as a Christian, be sure to show them how a disciple of Jesus Christ really behaves.
Love, that's one of God's biggest commands. Love as he loved you. Watch how you use your mouths. Avoid gossiping, cursing, complaining, insulting, because those are not things that Jesus Christ would do. I'll leave you to discover all his other commands yourself. And remember, change will not happen in your own strength... it happens through a real relationship with our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.
In his love,
Germs
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Upcoming events - May June 2010
Upcoming Youth events
16 May - Ryan, Zenas, Grace, David and Patrizha's Baptism service (3pm)
23 May - Youth GDOP (3pm)
4-5 June - Yalpha Training
7-10 June - Youth EE training
27 June - Yalpha lunch
Baptism Service
Hey guys, Ryan, Zenas, Grace, David and Patrizha's baptism will be this sunday, 16th May at 3pm. It's going to be held at Covenant EFC. I have reserved about 8 places for our CG so what I'm thinking is that we should all go for the 2nd service together, have lunch, then head over to Covenant EFC together. Please confirm whether or not you'll be able to go for the baptism.
Youth Global Day of Prayer
It's that time of the year again - for us to join hands (figuratively, not literally) with all the other Christians in Singapore and around the world in prayer and worship. Youth GDOP will be at the Expo, at 3pm on 23 May. Once again, we'll be going as a CG and can meet for lunch first. Please confirm if you can come!
Yalpha (Youth Alpha)
I'm sure all of you know by now, reaching out to the lost is something that God wants and expects of us as Children. And we should be passionate about it! This year, we have the chance to participate in Youth Alpha. The Yalpha team needs facilitators to lead discussions, befrienders to sit around and help the groups bond, as well as logistic helpers. Please consider serving by volunteering to serve. The Yalpha lunch is on 27th June and the rest of the sessions will be on subsequent sundays. Please let me know if you would like to serve!
Youth EE training
From what I remember, some of you mentioned before that you would like to sign up for Youth EE right? Well, the dates have been confirmed. The course will be from 7-10 June. I really encourage you all to sign up, especially since many of you find it difficult to share the gospel with your friends. Youth EE will train you how to talk about Christianity in a comfortable way. Even if you've been for the kids alpha course, you can use this chance to revise it. Once again, you can sign up for this with me:)
Spiritual Walk Journals
I want to recommend that you guys get these journals to document your walk with God. Apart from Bible reading plans and Pace instructions, there are also memory verses on every page. The books is for you to write down things that God reveals to you in the course of your walk with him. Write down your reflections, prayers, thanksgivings and everything that he teaches you. This is an important discipline as it helps us remember God's goodness and the things he teaches us. The books are supposed to be free but I am setting a $1 charge to be donated to our CG fund so that we don't abuse the system. Do order the books from me ok?
As you can see, a lot of things are happening, a lot to sign up for. So sign up!!!
Love,
Germs
16 May - Ryan, Zenas, Grace, David and Patrizha's Baptism service (3pm)
23 May - Youth GDOP (3pm)
4-5 June - Yalpha Training
7-10 June - Youth EE training
27 June - Yalpha lunch
Baptism Service
Hey guys, Ryan, Zenas, Grace, David and Patrizha's baptism will be this sunday, 16th May at 3pm. It's going to be held at Covenant EFC. I have reserved about 8 places for our CG so what I'm thinking is that we should all go for the 2nd service together, have lunch, then head over to Covenant EFC together. Please confirm whether or not you'll be able to go for the baptism.
Youth Global Day of Prayer
It's that time of the year again - for us to join hands (figuratively, not literally) with all the other Christians in Singapore and around the world in prayer and worship. Youth GDOP will be at the Expo, at 3pm on 23 May. Once again, we'll be going as a CG and can meet for lunch first. Please confirm if you can come!
Yalpha (Youth Alpha)
I'm sure all of you know by now, reaching out to the lost is something that God wants and expects of us as Children. And we should be passionate about it! This year, we have the chance to participate in Youth Alpha. The Yalpha team needs facilitators to lead discussions, befrienders to sit around and help the groups bond, as well as logistic helpers. Please consider serving by volunteering to serve. The Yalpha lunch is on 27th June and the rest of the sessions will be on subsequent sundays. Please let me know if you would like to serve!
Youth EE training
From what I remember, some of you mentioned before that you would like to sign up for Youth EE right? Well, the dates have been confirmed. The course will be from 7-10 June. I really encourage you all to sign up, especially since many of you find it difficult to share the gospel with your friends. Youth EE will train you how to talk about Christianity in a comfortable way. Even if you've been for the kids alpha course, you can use this chance to revise it. Once again, you can sign up for this with me:)
Spiritual Walk Journals
I want to recommend that you guys get these journals to document your walk with God. Apart from Bible reading plans and Pace instructions, there are also memory verses on every page. The books is for you to write down things that God reveals to you in the course of your walk with him. Write down your reflections, prayers, thanksgivings and everything that he teaches you. This is an important discipline as it helps us remember God's goodness and the things he teaches us. The books are supposed to be free but I am setting a $1 charge to be donated to our CG fund so that we don't abuse the system. Do order the books from me ok?
As you can see, a lot of things are happening, a lot to sign up for. So sign up!!!
Love,
Germs
Monday, May 10, 2010
The CG that glorifies God
So... my Young Adult CG recently hit a low point. Apparently, there were a few people in CG who were quite unhappy with the way things were going. They felt that the CG members' spiritual conditions were in very bad shape. We were not led by the spirit enough. Every week, the Bible Study was very one-sided, the leader doing all the work and members not contributing enough. We weren't being transformed by what we had learnt. We weren't excited enough about God! The fellowship of the CG was not exactly very bad, but the level of friendships were not very deep, and some probably felt left out. They felt that the Holy Spirit was grieving for us.
As I thought through all these problems, I just felt that they were so relevant to Effervescence as well. We've been in the same CG for what... more than 2 years now. Sure, things have been better since we first started. Attendance is getting more consistent and everyone's more focused during Bible study. But is that really all there is to CG?
I want us all to think for a minute, what is your reason for coming for CG?
1. To learn about God's word
2. To have fellowship with your friends
3. You've been forced to come
I hope none picked 3, because that would be quite sad. But if you had only picked 1 or only picked 2, you are seriously wrong about the purpose of CG. Do you expect to come for CG ignoring all the other members around you, waiting just to have God's word fed to you? If that's the case, does that mean that if we're not learning about something that interests you, you won't come? Or is picking no. 2 alone any better? Is CG a just a social club for you, a time to catch up with one another?
Well, if CG isn't just a place to learn about God, or have fellowship, than what is it? And how should our CG be like? I don't have the perfect answer, but the Bible does. Below is a passage that I personally feel demonstrates how a CG should be like:
Colossians 3:12 - 15
Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Now think:
Have we been compassionate, kind, humble, gentle and patient?
Have we been bearing enough with each other or getting irritated by one another?
Do we forgive members when they offend us or do us wrong?
And... have we been loving each other with the perfect and unconditional love that we've been learning for so long about? God's love!
Are we at peace?
Are we thankful or are we always finding something to grumble and complain about?
My favourite part of the verse is the last part-letting the word of Christ dwell in us (and transform us) and teaching and admonishing one another with wisdom. What a beautiful thing this would be, if we could be a CG where members are excited to teach each other truths that they have learnt about God during the week. Have we seen that happening in CG?
Whenever I see you guys talk, it's always about school, friends and more. Not that we can't talk about those, but why don't we ever talk about God and what he's been teaching us? I think the answer is plain and painfully simple: We don't know God well enough to talk about him like that. We don't spend enough time in his word to have him speak to our lives. It shows how lukewarm we are about God, and how little a place he has in our life. The thought of that saddens me. But I don't believe that things can't change.
We all need to have a new attitude about CG. With regards to God's word, the leaders cannot always be the ones feeding you God's truth. You are not supposed to come here like a spoilt child expecting to be taught. You are expected to discover God's truth for yourselves. The discussions are led by the leaders but the bulk has to be contributed by YOU! As for fellowship, how do you expect to be close if you don't share your struggles, if you simply get away by saying "nothing happened this week" how do you expect to receive care and concern. We need to put ourselves out there and be vulnerable to each other. Stop hanging around in your own circle of friends and start talking to others. Stop caring for yourself and start caring for the rest!
I'm sorry if this was a harsh post. I love, the CG, you know I do. But I feel that it's high time we really start getting serious about glorifying God. We need God's help to fix and perfect our CG before we can go out there in the world to change lives.
Do you love God? If you did, you would want to change.
Reflections
Write in your CG journal your thoughts about the passage. Which of the qualities listed are the most lacking in both yourself, and the CG? What are some active steps we can take towards becomming a CG that functions as well as the one in the passage? Now pray for God's power to transform you and the CG.
In his love,
Germs
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Announcements
Hi, during our last open sunday, Pastor Tim showed some new journals that you can get. It includes Bible reading plan, PACE instructions, personal goals, and daily memory verses. I believe it's $1 or so (correct me if I'm wrong) so those who would like to get it, please drop me an sms to let me know.
Also, do check out Youth Global Day of Prayer here. Those who would like to go, please sign up with me via sms.
Lastly, let's meet this sat at 2pm at Admiralty MRT station. Cg will be at my place!
Love,
Germs
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
God will make a way
Where there seems to be no way
He works in ways we cannot see
He will make a way for me
He will be my guide
Hold me closely to His side
With love and strength
For each new day
He will make a way
He will make a way
By a roadway in the wilderness
He'll lead me
And rivers in the desert will I see
Heaven and earth will fade
But His Word will still remain
He will do something new today
as the exams approach, remember that God is always with you even in the hardest times.
lets take time to pray and encourage one another.
God Bless you all(:
all the best for MYE
zenas.
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Open Sunday over!
Hey everyone,
Just wanna say a big thanks to all your effort in helping to organize Open Sunday this week. I must say, it was a little difficult to manage so many 15-year-olds with different opinions on what the prizes should be but I have to admit, the wang wangs were a good idea after all, haha.
I look forward to seeing you all next week. I know you're all busy mugging for your exams. (Except maybe JC, in which case, PLEASE START MUGGING JC!!!) Still, I hope you make time for God in the midst of everything. It's easy to forget him when we get busy. But the thing is, we are not supposed to give only the left over time to him? We are supposed to MAKE TIME for him!
So... hope you all keep praying, keep walking close with our dear Lord Jesus Christ. And I hope to see you all next week. Yes, even the muggers...
Love,
Germs
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
May Open sunday
Hi all,
This weekend is open sunday weekend so there won't be CG on saturday. For those who haven't heard, we are planning the games for open sunday. We have decided on the game:
The youths will be divided into 6 teams. Each will have a representative to be a mummy, wrapped in toilet paper. The other group members will each have one hand tied to the mummy and they will serve as the protectors or their own mummy, while trying to attack the other team's mummy.
To attack, groups will have to pick up sponges, wet them at the water stations and try to hit the other teams mummy. The team that has the driest mummy at the end wins. We estimate to use 1.5h for briefing, preperation and game play so the rest of the time can be for alpha and worship etc. We have about $100 for drinks and simple prizes.
We need to buy:
Toilet paper
Rafia String
3 pails (We should borrow them if possible)
Sponges
Prizes
Drinks (for refreshment)
This sunday, let's meet for service at 8.40am, then after service, we will go buy the necessary props/food!
Germs
This weekend is open sunday weekend so there won't be CG on saturday. For those who haven't heard, we are planning the games for open sunday. We have decided on the game:
The youths will be divided into 6 teams. Each will have a representative to be a mummy, wrapped in toilet paper. The other group members will each have one hand tied to the mummy and they will serve as the protectors or their own mummy, while trying to attack the other team's mummy.
To attack, groups will have to pick up sponges, wet them at the water stations and try to hit the other teams mummy. The team that has the driest mummy at the end wins. We estimate to use 1.5h for briefing, preperation and game play so the rest of the time can be for alpha and worship etc. We have about $100 for drinks and simple prizes.
We need to buy:
Toilet paper
Rafia String
3 pails (We should borrow them if possible)
Sponges
Prizes
Drinks (for refreshment)
This sunday, let's meet for service at 8.40am, then after service, we will go buy the necessary props/food!
Germs
Monday, April 19, 2010
Hi all,
CG on 24th April
The coming CG will be at my (Germaine's) house. Let's meet at admiralty MRT promptly at 2pm as some of the members need to rush off for baptism class after CG. We can't afford to end late! We will be starting a new Bible Study Series called God's Big Picture. In the series, we will learn about the different books of the Bible and how they actually form one great story. Ok la, it's not as boring as it sounds! We will understand about the story of the Israelites and how Christianity became Christianity that it is today.
The homework for everyone is to read Genesis chapter 1-20. I know it's rather long, but you should have already read 1-12 last week. Anyway, if you divide it into a few chapters a day, it's very managable.
Zenas
I think some of you already know, Zenas will be going for a school trip to America on 21st April. For those who see this, do take a moment to pray for him: For safety, as well as his studies (as he's leaving during a crucial studying period).
Love,
Germs
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Dear Effervescence,
For the longest time, I've wanted to earn your trust, love, confidence and more. I think as a leader, it's very easy for us to fall into wanting to win acceptance from our members. In short, we want our members to love us, and to know we love them. Over the years, I've come to realise that this is a very selfish and silly "want". I should be winning the approval of God, not my members!
I believe that some of you know that I care for you. I know that some of you think I don't. It's tiring sometimes, to care for so many of you. To have your time and energy split up into so many little sections. It doesn't help when sometimes, you feel as though this care is not being appreciated, or even being misunderstood.
I think what I'm trying to say is: As a leader, I can be harsh at times. I used to be afraid that by being harsh, I'd end up being hated by everyone. But now, I believe that no matter how harsh I am, you should know that I do it out of love, out of concern. If ever I reprimand anyone, it's because I care enough. Ultimately, I am God's servant. I am accountable to God. My job is not to make everyone happy, but to lead each and every one of you closer to God.
Love us or hate us, at the end of the day, we are your CG leaders. And we care for you. No matter what you think...
Love,
Germs
Authentic relationships
Building Authentic Relationships
Acts 2:42-47
Do we see the inner hurts that others carry? The church must have a structure to minister to wounded and needy members in the community on a personal level.
What do we do when our church starts to grow? In Acts, the people gathered to the temple to listen to the apostles. After that, they would gather in homes to continue fellowship. Church should not be restricted to the four walls of the church building. Regularly attending sunday service is not enough. We need to be able to open up our lives to others for accountability to see growth in our spiritual lives.
5 essential practices to building authentic relationships:
1. Self-disclosure: To know and be known
We need to expose ourselves to other people. It should go beyond superficial thoughts to deeper opinions, problems, aspirations etc. Deep down inside, we want people to know who we are. We can only share our stories in smaller settings. Self-disclosure is important for us to experience intimacy with each other and with God.
At the same time, we have to share things at the appropriate time and setting, lest we stumble others. We must not want to know people's secrets and struggles for curiousity's sake but out of love.
2. Care-giving: To love and be loved
1 John 3:16-17 We need to practically meet the needs of others. The word 'fellowship' used in Acts 2 meant the sharing of lives. We need to accept one another's differences. In Christ, we become one body, to the point that we should feel one another's pain. If we are to minister to a lost arting world outside the church, we are to truly have fellowship with each other for support.
3. Humility: To serve and be served
Jesus set the supreme example of humility. (John 13:4-5) He washed the feet of his disciples to show the full extent of his love. As the master, he took on thr posture of the servant for his disciples. In the account of the cruxifiction, Jesus, our God, allowed himself to be stripped down to his undergarments. He endured humiliation with all humility for our sake.
4. Truth-telling: To admonish and to be admonished
Admonition is often linked with teaching and encouraging. This ministry calls people to change and provides them with help to do so. We all have blind spots in our lives; flaws that can only be seen by others. They hinder our transformation and even relationships with others. Loving criticism from each other can help eradicate these blind spots from our lives. Withholding truths can stunt spiritual growth in people's lives.
5. Affirmation: To celebrate and be celebrated
We need to be reminders in each other's life and celebrators. Affirm and encourage each other even for the smallest progress.
Acts 2:42-47
Do we see the inner hurts that others carry? The church must have a structure to minister to wounded and needy members in the community on a personal level.
What do we do when our church starts to grow? In Acts, the people gathered to the temple to listen to the apostles. After that, they would gather in homes to continue fellowship. Church should not be restricted to the four walls of the church building. Regularly attending sunday service is not enough. We need to be able to open up our lives to others for accountability to see growth in our spiritual lives.
5 essential practices to building authentic relationships:
1. Self-disclosure: To know and be known
We need to expose ourselves to other people. It should go beyond superficial thoughts to deeper opinions, problems, aspirations etc. Deep down inside, we want people to know who we are. We can only share our stories in smaller settings. Self-disclosure is important for us to experience intimacy with each other and with God.
At the same time, we have to share things at the appropriate time and setting, lest we stumble others. We must not want to know people's secrets and struggles for curiousity's sake but out of love.
2. Care-giving: To love and be loved
1 John 3:16-17 We need to practically meet the needs of others. The word 'fellowship' used in Acts 2 meant the sharing of lives. We need to accept one another's differences. In Christ, we become one body, to the point that we should feel one another's pain. If we are to minister to a lost arting world outside the church, we are to truly have fellowship with each other for support.
3. Humility: To serve and be served
Jesus set the supreme example of humility. (John 13:4-5) He washed the feet of his disciples to show the full extent of his love. As the master, he took on thr posture of the servant for his disciples. In the account of the cruxifiction, Jesus, our God, allowed himself to be stripped down to his undergarments. He endured humiliation with all humility for our sake.
4. Truth-telling: To admonish and to be admonished
Admonition is often linked with teaching and encouraging. This ministry calls people to change and provides them with help to do so. We all have blind spots in our lives; flaws that can only be seen by others. They hinder our transformation and even relationships with others. Loving criticism from each other can help eradicate these blind spots from our lives. Withholding truths can stunt spiritual growth in people's lives.
5. Affirmation: To celebrate and be celebrated
We need to be reminders in each other's life and celebrators. Affirm and encourage each other even for the smallest progress.
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