Faith Confessions

The City Harvest Church Story (1986-2012)

Signature sins.

By Pastor John Acuff

I took a breakdancing class when I was in the third grade.

In Ipswich, Massachusetts, a beautiful, little New England village, our elementary school offered breakdancing lessons.

Maybe they were swept up in the hype of Breakin’ 2, Electric Boogalo, in the same way all your friends took swing dancing when the movie Swingers came out.

I’m not sure. I was in the third grade and not focused on pop culture trends. I was focused on making sure I brought my square of cardboard to each class. That was our version of the yoga mat. Unless you grew up on the mean streets of coastal Massachusetts, I’m not sure you can relate.

My signature breakdancing move was the worm.

Recognizing that I couldn’t windmill to save my life, and fearing that if I spun on my head long enough I’d develop some crazy skull callus like wrestlers with cauliflower ear, I focused on the worm.

It worked. My worm was ridiculous. It was the one move I was the best at. And it should have been because it was my signature move.

Now, a bajillion years later, surveying my life, I’ve started to realize I have “signature sins” too.

A signature sin is something big and bold and neon in your life. The moment you look at it, you know, “Oh yeah, that thing? That’s a sin.” And so you focus on it. You work on it. You get serious about it.

And I have a handful of those things in my life, things that I struggle with that are pretty easy to identify. But something really dangerous has started to happen lately.

Let’s say I mess up. I fail at one of my signature sins. I blow it. The next day, I feel separated from God. I feel far away. I feel like I’m no longer righteous. I committed the signature sin. Time to confess. If I messed up on Friday, then on Saturday I need some grace.

The flipside is that, when I’m not committing those signature sins, I feel holy. I feel connected to God, as if he is happy with me those days. As if, on those days, I am perfect.

Over the last few years, I’ve defined righteousness as not committing my signature sins.

That is ridiculous. Why?

Because on my greatest days, on the days when I don’t commit a single one of my signature sins, on the days I feel “perfect,” my own definition of righteousness is a million miles from God’s.

Theologian C.H. Spurgeon once said, “It is easier to save us from our sins than from our righteousness.”

That quote is starting to make sense to me. It’s easy to believe signature sins are bad. That makes sense. But, in working on them, I’ve swung the pendulum over into self-righteousness.

You see this happen with guys sometimes. You’ll ask them “How’s your walk with the Lord going?” And they’ll answer, “Great! I haven’t looked at porn in a week.”

That’s great that they didn’t look at porn, but that’s not really an answer to the question. But if you secretly start to cultivate some signature sins, you’ll end up in the same place. If gossip is your signature sin and you didn’t talk trash today, you were holy. If envy is your signature sin and you didn’t covet anything today, you were pure. If lust is your signature sin and you didn’t look at any nudity online, you were righteous.

It’s not true, though. Your self-righteousness is every bit as disgusting and damaging as your signature sin. It might even be worse, because at the heart of self-righteousness is the belief that you don’t need God.

Beware the temptation to make an idol out of your signature sins. Our understanding of grace gets destroyed when we do. The reality is:

On my worst days, when I’ve broken every signature sin, I am in desperate need of God’s grace.

On my best days, when I’ve avoided every signature sin, I am in desperate need of God’s grace.

Question:
I’m not asking you to name it, but have you ever had a “signature sin?”

Is Jesus Christ God? James White vs. Jalal Abualrub

A stimulating debate. Give your brains some exercise.

Chromeheart Full Version

 The largest and most ambitious Christmas production ever attempted by City Harvest Church Kuala Lumpur. The story is about the ongoing war between the Warriors and the Quamoros beasts. In the realm of Irul-Kim, the war descends onto the Irulnites who get caught in the battle between good and evil. A child, Ray-an is born, but has yet to discover his destiny as the key to end the battle once and for all.

I know you are for me

"If Abba Father is for me, who can be against me?" - Pastor Kong Hee, City Harvest Church Kuala Lumpur, 6 May 2012



Live worship in CHC Singapore, led by Pastor Sun Ho.

Chromeheart: Revelation Prelude and 1st Scene

Chromeheart: Revelation - The Resurrection of Master Yeyphim

Praying for the sick and bringing wholeness to others - Part 1

God in Ancient China (Part 2)

God in Ancient China - Pastor Kong Hee

Right preaching produces right living

This is a very rare occasion that I agree with Pastor Prince:

The Biblical Stand on Wealth and Prosperity

The bible has a lot to say about wealth and prosperity. There are multiple instructions involving attitude, tithing, behavior and rightousness. Don't expect a simple solution, this is more a lifestyle that causes God to want to bless your finances. Bible verses Explanation First of all: Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops; Then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine. Proverbs 3: 9,10 The Lord expects you to have a habit of giving to Him before He will bless your wealth. So: Cast your bread upon the water, for after many days you will find it again. Give portions to seven, yes eight, for you do not know what disaster may come upon the land. Eccl. 11: 1,2 This could be saying to spread your wealth around, you don't know where it is going to be needed most or give the best return, and also don't expect a quick return.(after many days). Remember this: Whoever sows spraringly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Cor. 9 6,7 If you only spread a few seeds, you only get a few plants. The plants don't bear fruit for a while and not much if you don't have good seeds. Apply this to what money you give and the good seed as the cheerfulness as to how it is given. Also There is one who scatters, yet increases all the more, and there is one who withholds what is justly due, but it results only in want. The generous man will be prosperous, and he who waters will himself be watered. Prov. 11: 24,25 An Old Testament proverb says almost the same thing as the New Testament verses above. Will a man rob God? Yet you rob Me. But you ask, 'How do we rob you ? 'In tithes and offerings. "You are under a curse -the whole nation of you - because you are robbing me. Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house. Test Me in this," says the Lord Almighty, " and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it" Malachi 3: 8-10 God is being specific about a tithe, which is 10%. He says here in the last book of the Old Testiment specifically, that it belongs to Him. If you don't give it back you are stealing it from God, and God will bring a curse on those who don't pay properly. On the other hand, when you do return it properly, God will bless you so that you will have more to give him more the next time around. And you say, 'What a burden!' and you sniff at it contemptuously," says the Lord Almighty." When you bring injured crippled or diseased animals and offer them as sacrifices, should I accept them from your hand ?" says the Lord "Cursed is the cheat who has an acceptable male in his flock and vows to give it, but then sacrifices a blemished animal to the Lord. For I am a great king." says the Lord Almighty, "and My name is to be feared among the nations." Malachi 1:13,14 I put this here because in those days, the flock was their wealth, and offering. When they brought a defective animal, it was a curse, not a blessing. A short tithe, could be like a defective animal, only the full tithe invokes the blessing, anything short is incomplete and could invoke a curse. If you are paying a tithe, pay the whole thing, you don't want to short the Almighty God. If there is a formula, 10% returned from your increase is in the equation. Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the alter and there remember that your brother has something against you. leave your gift there in front of the alter. First go and be reconciled to your brother, them come and offfer your gift. Matthew 5:23,24 This is important, if someone has a grudge or reason to be angry with you, (expecially had you cheated or done them wrong) and they have not forgiven you, it is not the time to give your offering, that would be a waste. You need to straighen that problem out and ask for forgiveness. That would be another way to defile your gift, better to put it aside, save it up if needed, and get the reconcilement and forgiveness finished first. God says: I love those who love me; and those who diligently seek me will find me. Riches and honor are with me, enduring wealth and righteousness. My fruit is better than gold, even pure gold, and my yield than choicest silver. I walk in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the path of justice, To endow those who love me with wealth, that I may fill their treasuries. Proverbs 8:17-21 Love and seek God, He is among the paths of righeousness and justice. He knows who truely loves Him, and those are the ones who share the His treasure and wealth. The blessing of the Lord brings wealth, and He ads no sorrow to it. Proverbs 10:22 How will you invoke the blessing of the Lord ? But: Lazy hands make a man poor, but diligent hands bring wealth Proverbs 10;4 Don't expect wealth to fall in your lap, work diligently. He who oppresses the poor to increase his wealth and he who gives gifts to the rich - both come to poverty. Proverbs 22:16 Taking from the poor and giving to the rich is the opposite of Robin Hood. Be careful to give to the poor for favor with God. He who is gracious to the poor, lends to the Lord, and He will repay him for his good deeds. Prov 19:17 Now, is it clear who God wants you to help ? And you shall again obey the Lord and observe all His commandments whcih I command you today. Then the Lord your God will prosper you abundantly in all the work of your hand, in the offspring of your body and in the offspring of your cattle and in the produce of your ground, for the Lord will again rejoice over you for good, just as he rejoiced over your fathers. Deut 30:8,9 The promise comes to pass from obedience of Gods rules and ways, abundant prosperity. Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy and where thieves do not break in or steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matt. 6:19-21 When you master the above and all along the way, you need to keep the habit of giving back to God. What you keep on earth is temporary. Like a pension plan or 401K, every week you make a deposit with the Lord, in the form or tithes and offerings. Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. 1 Tim 6: 17,18 Once again, develope the right attitude of how you will handle wealth, once it comes your way. My guess is God will build your wealth slowly to be sure you have the right habits first. But you shall remember the Lord your God, for it is He who is giving you power to make wealth, that He may confirm His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day. Deut. 8:18 Make sure to acknowledge and thank God for your prosperiry, if you think or claim it is all you own doing, then you will likely get Him angry. Remember He can take away, in an instant, all you have, wealth, health, wife, life and more and has been known to do so especially in the case of personal pride. Do not weary yourself to gain wealth, Cease from your consideration of it. When you set your eyes on it, it is gone. For wealth certainly makes itself wings, like an eagle that flies toward the heavens. Prov. 23:4,5 Hopefully from the above you can see that you don't pursue wealth, It has wings to fly away. It is the blessing of the Lord that make rich, and He adds no sorrow to it. Prov 10: 22 You do the things God wants you to do and He blesses you with prosperity as you show yourself faithful. Do not be with heavy drinkers if wine, or with gluttonous eater of meat; For the heavy drinker and the glutton will come to poverty, and drowsiness will cloth a man with rags. Prov 23 :20,21 Drunks and Gluttons, hopefully this is self explanitory. If they have money, it is ussually not for long. How many rich ones do you know ? Wealth obtained by fraud dwindles, but the one who gathers by labor increases it. Prov 13:11 Cheating, lying, stealing, is not going to get lasting wealth. It is best obtained by working diligently and working smart. Like a partridge that hatches eggs it did not lay is the man who gains riches by unjust means. When his life is half gone, they will desert him, and in the end he will prove to be a fool. Jer. 17:11 Dishonestly is specifically cursed as a means of gaining wealth. Jeremiah the profit has yet to be proven wrong. God will not be mocked. Poor is he who works with a negligent hand, but the hand of the diligent make rich. Prov 10: 4 Slow, lazy and careless workers get the smallest raises, if any. Those who work diligently get promoted, bosses like them, I know. Psalms 112: 1-10 The whole chapter, look it up. Pretty much what I've been telling you above.

This page is trying to give you an overview of how to gain wealth by : 1) Loving, obeying and pleasing God 2) Letting God bless you 3) Working diligently, 4) Tithing, giving back to God 5) Keep eyes on God, not money. What to do with it when you have it 1) Helping the poor. 2) Store up treasure in heaven. 3) Scatter and spread about to help needy 4) Return to God His portion,He gives the highest return on your investment What not to do 1) Dishonest gain 2) Oppressing the poor and less fortunate. 3) Heavy drinking 4) Gluttonous eating 5) Laziness, careless work, poor attitude

Biblical Evidence for Prosperity

* Jesus Christ "became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich." (2 Corinthians 8:9)

* God has pleasure in the prosperity of His servant. (Psalm 35:27)

* "The blessing of the Lord makes one rich." (Proverbs 10:22)

* God is not selfish or stingy but "gives us richly all things to enjoy." (1 Timothy 6:17)

* "The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord." (Psalm 33:5)

Why did God create such abundance and give it to us unless it is His will for us to have it?

"The earth He has given to the children of men." (Psalm 115:16)

* Christians are joint heirs with Christ. (Romans 8:17)

With Him God also freely gave us all things. (Romans 8:32)

* We will reign (as kings) in life through Jesus Christ. (Romans 5:17)
The rich rules over the poor (Proverbs 22:7) so it can not be God's will for His people to be poor.

* God "gives (us) power to get wealth." (Deuteronomy 8:18)

* "For all the promises of God in (Christ) are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us." (2 Corinthians 1:20)

* God teaches us to profit. (Isaiah 48:17)

* God gave us instructions on how to be prosperous and have good success. (Joshua 1:8 & Psalm 1:1-3)
Why would He tell us how if it was not His will for us to prosper?

* God desires that we prosper. (3 John 1:2)

* You should have "all sufficiency in all things" so you can "have an abundance for every good work." (2 Corinthians 9:8)

* Christians have been called to freedom. (Galatians 5:13)

Whom the Son of God sets free is free indeed. (John 8:36)
If you do not have financial freedom you are not truly free.

* Human (and even animal) parents desire the best for their children.
Jesus said "how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things." (Matthew 7:11)
Do you desire your children to lack anything good?
Is God as good as you?

* We are to ask the Father and receive that our joy may be full. (John 16:24)
Being full equals abundance.

* God loves a cheerful giver and most people need more than just what is necessary to really be one. (2 Corinthians 9:7)

* He is the God of peace.
Peace means "prosperity in every way" in both the Hebrew of the Old Testament and the Greek of the New Testament.
"The chastisement for our peace was upon (Jesus Christ)." (Isaiah 53:5)

* "Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law" (Galatians 3:13) which includes poverty and lack.

* The blessing of Abraham is supposed to come upon those who are in Christ Jesus. (Galatians 3:14)
"The Lord blessed Abraham in all things." (Genesis 24:1)
"(Abraham) was very rich in livestock, in silver, and in gold." (Genesis 13:2)

* "God shows no partiality" (Acts 10:34) and He made several people in the Bible wealthy.

* God says wisdom is the principal thing and commands us to get it. (Proverbs 4:7)
Jesus has been made unto us wisdom. (1 Corinthians 1:30)
Riches and honor come with wisdom. (Proverbs 3:16 & 8:18)

* Instructions are given that you may lack nothing. (1 Thessalonians 4:11-12; James 1:4)

* God "has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness." (2 Peter 1:3)

* Jesus told us to pray that God's "will be done on earth as it is in heaven." (Matthew 6:10)
Heaven is a place of abundance.

Elder: David B Loughran 
Stewarton Bible School, Stewarton, Scotland

The Secret of Prosperity

1. Introduction

English Prosper = To be successful, to thrive, to be rich. This is the commonly accepted meaning of the term. But the Hebrew words translated prosper, prosperity, prosperous in the Bible mean far more than financial riches. They mean, success, well being, joy, health and progress in all that you undertake.Hebrew Halak = To go on, to progress. Tsaleach = (To cause) to go on prosperously.

Ezra 5:8

Be it known unto the king, that we went into the province of Judea, to the house of the great God, which is builded with great stones, and timber is laid in the walls, and this work goeth fast on, and prospereth in their hands.

Sakal = To cause to 'act wisely' as in:

Deut. 29:9

Keep therefore the words of this covenant, and do them, that ye may prosper in all that ye do.

Shalom = To be complete, finished, at peace, as in:

Job 9:4

... Who hath hardened himself against him, and hath prospered?

The implied answer to this question is: No one. No one who resists the Spirit of God has ever prospered. Yet everyone wants to be prosperous. It is a perfectly normal and respectable yearning. But how few people achieve true prosperity? How very few are really successful, safe and are at peace in their souls? To be sure millions have a lot of money and there is seemingly no end to the possessions some folk have. But wealth and possessions in themselves do not spell prosperity. Prosperity is a state of the soul. It is a spiritual condition which is reflected in happiness and inner peace. All the world unconsciously seeks prosperity; but comparatively few find it. Why? Why are so many rich, famous and knowledgeable people so miserable, restless and unhappy? Why? What is the secret of true success, true happiness, true prosperity? Are you truly happy, prosperous and at peace?

2. False Prosperity

The obedient believer may often wonder at the apparent prosperity of the wicked. Our circumstances may often appear to be a contradiction of what Yahweh has promised in His Word. It is at times like this that we must examine the whole picture. We must, with the Psalmist, go into the sanctuary of God and examine the end of the story.

Psalm 73:3

For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. 4: For there are no bands in their death: but their strength is firm. 5: They are not in trouble as other men; neither are they plagued like other men. 6: Therefore pride compasseth them about as a chain; violence covereth them as a garment. 7: Their eyes stand out with fatness: they have more than heart could wish. 8: They are corrupt, and speak wickedly concerning oppression: they speak loftily. 9: They set their mouth against the heavens, and their tongue walketh through the earth. 10: Therefore his people return hither: and waters of a full cup are wrung out to them. 11: And they say, How doth God know? and is there knowledge in the most High? 12: Behold, these are the ungodly, who prosper in the world; they increase in riches. 13: Verily I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocency. 14: For all the day long have I been plagued, and chastened every morning. 15: If I say, I will speak thus; behold, I should offend against the generation of thy children. 16: When I thought to know this, it was too painful for me; 17: Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end. 18: Surely thou didst set them in slippery places: thou castedst them down into destruction. 19: How are they brought into desolation, as in a moment! they are utterly consumed with terrors. 20: As a dream when one awaketh; so, O Lord, when thou awakest, thou shalt despise their image. 21: Thus my heart was grieved, and I was pricked in my reins. 22: So foolish was I, and ignorant: I was as a beast before thee.

3. True Prosperity

Yahweh wants His people to be prosperous in every possible way. But the prosperity He wants for us is based on spiritual foundations: not money, education, fame or fading physical beauty. Instead He wants us to build prosperity on faith in Him and His Son. I call this the prosperity of the soul. It all depends on the foundation. If the foundation is faulty, then the 'prosperity' built upon it will not last.Yahweh's people may or may not be rich; they may or may not be clever, they may or may not have great possessions. But they should all be prosperous. They should all be happy, fulfilled and at rest on the Spirit of God. Until we have found prosperity of Spirit, we could find ourselves chasing bubbles like so many millions are doing today.

3 John 1:2

Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth. 3: For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth. 4: I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.

4. The Secret of Prosperity

The Bible provides the formula for true prosperity. It is an extremely simple one. Here it is.

• Have Faith in Yahweh
  

  2 Chronicles 20:20

  And they rose early in the morning, and went forth into the wilderness of Tekoa: and as they went forth, Jehoshaphat stood and said, Hear me, O Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem; Believe in the LORD your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper.

• Obey His Law
  

  Joshua 1:7

  Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest. 8: This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.

NOTE: These two things (Faith and Obedience) attract the Spirit and blessing of God. The more you apply them the more prosperous you will become. SBS writes a great deal about the sin of Sabbath-breaking, not because it is the worst of sins, but because it is the most widespread. Billions commit this sin every weekend without realising it. They must be informed.

5. Examples of Prosperity

The Bible is full of examples of true prosperity. They demonstrate very dramatically the results of faith and obedience. Sad to say the modern Christian world look upon obedience as a form of doubt: as though the obedient believer is trying to earn his/her salvation and entry to the Kingdom of Heaven. This is not the case. So let me - yet again - put the record straight. Faith in Jesus Christ is the very first and last requirement for entry into the Kingdom of God. But that faith must be living faith: and living faith to be recognised as real must exhibit itself in obedience. The repentant sinner, in other words, must "go and sin no more." (John 5:14, 8:11) He/she must give up and forsake sin.

Joseph

Genesis 39:3	And his master saw that the LORD was with him, and that the LORD made all that he did to prosper in his hand.
verse 23	The keeper of the prison looked not to any thing that was under his hand; because the LORD was with him, and that which he did, the LORD made it to prosper.

Hezekiah

2 Kings 18:7	And the LORD was with him; and he prospered whithersoever he went forth...
2 Chronicles 31:20-21	And thus did Hezekiah throughout all Judah, and wrought that which was good and right and truth before the LORD his God. 21: And in every work that he began in the service of the house of God, and in the law, and in the commandments, to seek his God, he did it with all his heart, and prospered.

Uzziah

2 Chronicles 26:5

And he sought God in the days of Zechariah, who had understanding in the visions of God: and as long as he sought the LORD, God made him to prosper.

6. Hindrances to Prosperity

There are several hindrances to true prosperity. The worst is fighting God and resisting His Holy Spirit. Here are a few goals to aim for if you want to be prosperous.

Do Not Fight Against God

2 Chronicles 13:12

And, behold, God himself is with us for our captain, and his priests with sounding trumpets to cry alarm against you. O children of Israel, fight ye not against the LORD God of your fathers; for ye shall not prosper

Forsake sin

Proverbs 28:13

He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.

Note: If you have wronged another person, go to him (not someone else) and clear the matter. If you were in the wrong, confess your fault to the person concerned (not to any other), and put it right. Then you will be blessed of God and prosperity will follow.

7. A Promise of Prosperity

Yahweh wants all His people to prosper and He has given us the formula for true prosperity. You will have noticed that the Bible gives good examples of how believers have prospered. But what about us? Can we also prosper like Hezekiah or Joseph did? Yes we can. The formula works in any age and for all believers who put their faith in and obey the Most High. There are no exceptions.

Psalm 1:3

And he (the obedient believer) shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

The BRIEF Biblical Guide to Prosperity

By David L. Antion, Ph.D Christians come from and are in all categories of socioeconomic strata. A person can be poor and be a Christian and a person can be rich and be a Christian. In general it is better to be prosperous than to be in want. The Bible tells us that it is good to leave an inheritance even to our grandchildren: "A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children, but the wealth of the sinner is stored up for the righteous.'' (Proverbs 13:22, NKJV throughout unless noted). We are told that houses and riches are the inheritance from parents but only God can give a prudent wife: "Houses and riches are an inheritance from fathers, but a prudent wife is from the LORD.'' (Proverbs 19:14). One of the great principles regulating prosperity is Proverbs 21:17: "He who loves pleasure will be a poor man;  He who loves wine and oil will not be rich.'' If pleasure is at the top of our value system, we are likely to be poor. Just look around in the world and see the throngs who flock to every amusement park, state fair, movie theatre or fun house. How many of them have enough money in the bank to survive even one month if they lost their job? If you love expensive consumables like "wine and oil" you are not likely to be rich. The Pitfalls of Pleasure When people put pleasure first, they often will neglect to do those things that are important for prosperity - namely work. The Bible says, " . . . But much increase comes by the strength of an ox." (Proverbs 14:4). This is the principle of utilizing power instruments. For instance, the strength of an ox can help a farmer plough far more than he could by his own physical strength. Thus a tractor helps the farmer plough, plant and even harvest far more than he could manually. The same can be said for high-speed printers, computers, and other tools that provide "strength" or "power" to do work! One is foolish not to use them.

First Things must come FIRST! We are told that "in all labor there is profit" (Proverbs 14:23). While all work is profitable, it is important to realize that some duties have far greater payoffs than do others. Making sure that we do those things that have the highest benefit first is important. But the rest of this proverb says, "But idle chatter leads only to poverty." Talk with no work gets nothing done. All the talk in the world will accomplish nothing if no action is taken to complete any plans. "He who tills his land will have plenty of bread, but he who follows frivolity (worthless pursuits) will have poverty enough! " (Proverbs 28:19). Again we are told that doing the profitable things first will result in prosperity (plenty of bread). But following "worthless pursuits" will lead to plenty of poverty. How can one tell the difference? It takes "wisdom" to discern what are "worthless pursuits" and what actions will bring prosperity. With Diligence comes Blessings The Bible tells us that being diligent - day in and day out - will eventually lead to leadership and prosperity: "The hand of the diligent will rule, but the lazy man will be put to forced labor. " (Proverbs 12:24, NKJV). It teaches us that one cannot be careless and have a "hit and miss" attitude toward responsibilities in work. "He who has a slack hand becomes poor . . . '' (Proverbs 10:4). Laziness and Poverty Laziness brings on poverty. Sleeping during the time one should be harvesting will bring poverty like an armed robber: "How long will you slumber, O sluggard?  When will you rise from your sleep?  A little sleep, a little slumber, A little folding of the hands to sleep — So shall your poverty come on you like a prowler, and your need like an armed man." (Proverbs 6:9-11) We are told that the sluggard will not plow for the cold and that the love of sleep will create want: "The lazy man will not plow because of winter;  He will beg during harvest and have nothing. . . . Do not love sleep, lest you come to poverty;  Open your eyes, and you will be satisfied with bread.'' (Proverbs 20:4, 13). Honesty IS the best Policy! The Bible teaches also that honesty really is the best policy in business dealings. Getting riches by lying will not last: "Getting treasures by a lying tongue is the fleeting fantasy of those who seek death. The violence of the wicked will destroy them, because they refuse to do justice.'' (Proverbs 21:6-7). Treasures gotten by wickedness will not profit and God HATES diverse weights use in trade: "Treasures of wickedness profit nothing, but righteousness delivers from death." (Proverbs 10:2) "Diverse weights are an abomination to the LORD, and dishonest scales are not good." (Proverbs 20:23). Money for GOOD While it is good to be prosperous we are also told that we should use our money for good. To give to the really poor and to those who have run into circumstances through no fault of their own is a good thing: "He who gives to the poor will not lack, but he who hides his eyes will have many curses'' (Proverbs 28:27). When you give in the service of God you make God your partner: "Honor the LORD with your possessions, and with the firstfruits of all your increase;  So your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine. '' (Proverbs 3:9-10). Is there anything BETTER than RICHES? There are things that are better than riches and we need to heed the Biblical wisdom regarding them. A good name is better than riches: "A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, loving favor rather than silver and gold.'' (Proverbs 22:1). To protect one's reputation is paramount. To forge that reputation is also very important. Wisdom is better than gold (16:16) as we are instructed: "How much better to get wisdom than gold!  And to get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver.'' (Proverbs 16:16). So, should there be a choice between become wealthy or becoming wise, one should always choose the wisdom. There are things money cannot buy. One of them is a prudent wife. Parents can give an inheritance but only God can supply a prudent wife (Proverbs 19:14). And of all the decisions one makes in this lifetime, the choice of a mate is probably the most important in determining one's overall happiness and contentment as well as success. The Deception and Illusion of Wealth Riches can be deceiving. There is an illusion regarding them. They seem to be a fortress (Proverbs 10:15) and the rich man thinks they are a high protective wall (Proverbs 18:11). But they do not profit in the day of wrath (Proverbs 11:4). And the person who trusts in his riches will fall (Proverbs 11:28). "The rich man's wealth is his strong city;  The destruction of the poor is their poverty."  (Proverbs 10:15) "The rich man's wealth is his strong city, and like a high wall in his own esteem." (Proverbs 18:11) "Riches do not profit in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death." (Proverbs 11:4) "He who trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will flourish like foliage." (Proverbs 11:28) The wisdom collected in Proverbs says to ask for neither riches nor poverty but just enough to be sufficient: "Lest I be full and deny You, And say, 'Who is the LORD?'  Or lest I be poor and steal, and profane the name of my God.'' (Proverbs 30:9). If too little, one would be tempted to steal. If too much, one could be tempted to forget that s/he needs God. The Love of Money Finally we must be aware that to love money is to open ourselves to a root of all evils: "Now godliness with contentment is great gain.  For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.  And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. "But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition.  For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows." (1Timothy 6:6-10). Love God. Use money for good. Strive for peace with all.

You Are (Abundant Life Church)

Worship from City Harvest Church Singapore. Indeed God is all that we need.

Love unfailing truth unchangingI depend on YouFaithful Father peace foreverI will rest in You
Unshakable my hope remainsLord I believe in You
You are strength for those in needYou are defender of the weakYou are everything we needYou are our God You are our God
God of mercy I will live in praise of all You've doneGod eternal by Your power I will overcome
None greater none higherAll praise to God our SaviorUnchanging unfailingAll praise to You our Savior

How You Can Pray for the Sick - Benny Hinn

Letter about Hypocrisy, Resolution and Forgiveness

Dear Aunty Betty,

I thank you for your sharing and your frank openness about what is a sensitive issue, both inside and outside the church. However, I would like to steer away at the issue of hypocrisy and come back to the fundamentals of our faith and as Christian brothers and sisters.

However, to answer your question, Matthew 7:1 “Do not judge, lest you be judged” was Jesus warning us not to be hypocritical. The passage continues:

“For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged and with the measure you use, it would be measured to you. Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye2 when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye” (Matthew 7:2-5)

Jesus was warning against hypocritical and self-righteous judgement of other people. Likewise, Aunty Betty, we also should not be quick to place judgement on those whom we consider hypocrites. We do not label others as hypocrites otherwise our Father in heaven shall measure us by the same standard (Matthew 7:2).

The bible teaches us as to how to deal with a brother and sister who is sinning. Matthew 18:15-17 is clear:

“If your brother sins against you, go tell him his fault between you two alone. If he listens to you, you have gained a brother. But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses even to listen to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.”

Jesus had already established a process of a peaceful conflict resolution as to how to deal with our fellow brethren in the church. However, we do not confront them to humiliate, embarrass or chastise them based on our own self-righteousness or ideology, but along the guidelines of the word of God. We do this in the hope that they should repent and be welcomed again into the body of Christ. “let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins” (James 5:20).

In what manner do we approach this person? The bible is clear that “Owe nothing to anyone – except your obligation to love one another. If you love your neighbour, you will fulfil the requirements of God’s law” (Romans 13:8). Paul wrote to the Ephesians saying “Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head into Christ.” (Ephesians 4:15). Loving one another does not mean to hide the offence in order to keep the peace. This would lead to greater problems, including bitterness. Allow the Holy Spirit to reveal unforgiveness or bitterness as offences against a brother would form a barrier between us and God. When we pray, “Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors” (Matthew 6:12) note that if there is unforgiveness in our hearts against another, our Father in heaven would not forgive us of sins against us. “For if you forgive others of their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses” (Matthew 6:14-15).

I will conclude with three passages as to how we are to be in right standing with the Lord, while dealing with a brother or sister who sins in the church. First Paul said to Timothy, “Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage with great patience and careful instruction” (2 Timothy 4:2) and to the Ephesians “Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamour and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:32).

Finally, Jesus has shown us how to deal with offences and to avoid falling back to unforgiveness. “But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.” (Matthew 5:44). By God’s grace, healing shall take place and the body of Christ shall be strengthened. Do not fall into the same trap by criticising or condemning others, but rather seek to edify the church by serving the Lord with your whole heart. Do not rely on your own wisdom, but ask God to provide His wisdom. I pray that the Lord shall guide you to understand His perfect plan but earnestly “seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and all other things will be added onto you” (Matthew 6:33).

I pray that the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always in every way. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen

Blessings,

Douglas

-----Original Message-----
From: Betty Elledge [mailto:bettyelledge@gmail.com]
Sent: Tuesday, January 10, 2012 7:06 AM
To: Alicia Chew; drcj lim; Tan Hoe Pin; Irene Lim; Nancy Tan; Richard Tok; Pastor John Roxborogh; SC YONG; Chin chin; Steven Fung; Beatrice Rodriguez; Christian GIRSANG; Lisa Ho; Ann Cheah; Andrew Hwang; David Lai; Robert Weniger; Ron Woodward; douglast86@hotmail.co.uk; Cynthia JONAS; George Elledge
Subject: Hypocrisy

I mentioned the hypocrisy of our church but was told not to say this. I do not want to avoid the truth and would dearly like to seek out as much clarity in my search for the truth.  I therefore take the liberty to do some research on my usage and application of the word "hypocrisy". I am sorry to have to say I discover hypocrisy is quite common among Christians (sorry for so unchristianly judging others?) and worst still some Christians have fine-tuned hypocrisy to such an act that it is hard to detect, and some manage to use it to their advantage.  I love the book "to Kill a Mocking Bird", and the movie "A Few Good Men" that have played a part in enriching my character building as an ordinary human being. Certainly I am still discovering the truth from the Bible.

Matthew 7:1 "do not judge or you'll be judged". What kind of judgement was Jesus forbidding? My understanding is that God is the sole judge of our salvation. Some judgements are unavoidable. Many people lump all judging together as if it is bad when they themselves make judgement everyday, e.g. who dressed better, which boy is better looking, her social background is upper class.... We do them all the time without even thinking about it.  We even choose our friends on such judgement, without even realizing it. Therefore judge not cannot apply to all kinds of judging.

John 7:24 "Stop judging by mere appearances, but instead judge correctly". Did Jesus contradict himself? I don't think so, Jesus is saying judge right. How to judge right is another deep searching knowledge of the truth.

Roman 2:1 Paul criticized some of his Christian readers for judging others when they were doing the same things. Paul criticized HYPOCRISY.

1 Corinthians 5:12-13 Paul says "what business is it of mind to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside?  I can see Paul condemns bad judging but commands another kind of judging? 

Throughout the bible, I note Jesus judged the legalism and judgmentalism of the Pharisees;  Paul often criticized other apostles and his own converts for falling out with the true gospel of grace and truth.

The right judging discipline the church. It is obvious without some form of church discipline, which inevitably involves some form of right judging, the church is merely a gathering place for so called Christians with their own set of values and beliefs.  I believe I can only renew my spirit by judging without the judgmentalism. I believe church discipline depends on appropriate judging, and that church discipline means holding Christians accountable for their lives.

Pardon me if I have offended anyone, but this is merely for me to seek out the utmost truth of God's word, Jesus my real word in picture. I send to you, dear friends in Christ whom I respect with a view that we all can share and learn together the real truth.  It will be a blessing on my part to hear from you all, hallelujah!

In Christ,

Betty

Prosperity…Is It Biblical?

By Pastor Benny Hinn

The term “prosperity teaching” or “prosperity Gospel” is one of the most misunderstood and misused terms in today’s language.

I believe biblical prosperity is scriptural, and it is taught throughout the Bible. Giving to the Lord is so important that God has promised that those who give for the work of the Gospel will be blessed and protected.

Today I want to share with you what the Scriptures have to say about biblical prosperity, because I believe we are coming into a time of great abundance for the sake of the Gospel. The Gospel is being preached around the world, and a great harvest of blessings is coming to those who are supporting the cause of Christ around the world.

Prosperity Results from Righteousness and Faithfulness

The Word of God declares: “Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth” (3 John 2). Prosperity is not an accident but the result of the Word of God being in our life.

Righteousness puts us in line to receive great blessings from the Lord: “In the house of the righteous is much treasure” (Proverbs 15:6), and “By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches, and honour, and life” (Proverbs 22:4).

Faithfulness to God is the key to prosperity, and only faithfulness brings us into that place where God can begin to bless us financially: “A faithful man shall abound with blessings” (Proverbs 28:20).

The Lord has given each person certain abilities and gifts, and He expects us to be faithful with them. He expects us to tend to and nurture these abilities and gifts so we might produce fruit for His glory and kingdom!

The Word of the Lord tells us clearly that only as we keep and nurture our gifts will we be able to reap their benefits: “Whoso keepeth the fig tree shall eat the fruit thereof: so he that waiteth on his master shall be honoured” (Proverbs 27:18). As we stay faithful with the gifts God has given us, we will receive fruit in abundance.

Prosperity Results from Obedience

To receive God’s blessings and abundance, we must obey Him!

The Word of God tells us, “Keep therefore the words of this covenant, and do them, that ye may prosper in all that ye do” (Deuteronomy 29:9).

The Scriptures clearly say that it is not God’s will for any to perish, nor is it His will for any to live in sickness or poverty.

Poverty comes when we refuse the Word of God. Proverbs 13:18 declares, “Poverty and shame shall be to him that refuseth instruction: but he that regardeth reproof shall be honoured.”

But when we obey the Lord’s Word, prosperity will be ours immediately, and for all of our days: “If they obey and serve him, they shall spend their days in prosperity, and their years in pleasures” (Job 36:11).

The Word of God says clearly in Proverbs 15:6 that in the house of the righteous is much treasure, not much poverty! Poverty does not belong to the righteous. It belongs to those who disobey God. Abundance and blessings belong to God’s children.

Debt is not God’s will. In fact, it is bondage: “The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender” (Proverbs 22:7).

The Lord wants to deliver His people from all bondage and all debt, and only as God’s people seek Him and obey Him will liberty from bondage come our way: “I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me. Riches and honour are with me; yea, durable riches and righteousness.… That I may cause those that love me to inherit substance; and I will fill their treasures” (Proverbs 8:17-18, 21).

God’s Word is clear that He takes pleasure in our prosperity! He rejoices when we prosper: “Let them shout for joy, and be glad, that favour my righteous cause: yea, let them say continually, Let the Lord be magnified, which hath pleasure in the prosperity of his servant” (Psalm 35:27).

Prosperity Results from Diligence

Look at what God has given you in the way of abilities, physical assets, and spiritual blessings. Care for them and cause them to increase. God will surely bless you:

Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, and look well to thy herds. For riches are not for ever: and doth the crown endure to every generation? The hay appeareth, and the tender grass sheweth itself, and herbs of the mountains are gathered. The lambs are for thy clothing, and the goats are the price of the field. And thou shalt have goats’ milk enough for thy food, for the food of thy household, and for the maintenance for thy maidens. (Proverbs 27:23-27) 

As we are diligent before the Lord to nurture what He has given us, only then will we have abundant supply, for the Word of God tells us that He delights in the one who is not lagging behind in diligence: “Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men” (Proverbs 22:29).

Look at Joseph. He was sold as a servant then became a prisoner. But because he was diligent before God, the Lord promoted him not only to stand before a king but to be second in command.

We have another great example in the prophet Daniel. He was a prisoner of war in a heathen land, but he was diligent in serving a heathen king. Daniel, too, was promoted and ended up counseling kings.

Nehemiah, another example of diligence, was promoted from his job as cup-bearer.

God’s promotional hand is upon the diligent! Jesus told us to be faithful in little things and He will make us ruler over many things (Matthew 25:21-23). The Word of the Lord also tells us, “The hand of the diligent maketh rich” (Proverbs 10:4), and “The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness” (Proverbs 21:5).

The Lord warns that we will be blessed and prosper only as we are faithful and diligent!

Stewards must be found faithful. As you give to His work again this month, remember that it is your faithfulness to the Lord that will reap abundance.

The Word of God declares, “And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work: (As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever)” (2 Corinthians 9:8-9).

It is the Lord who gives you seed to sow, and it is the Lord who will multiply that seed and increase the fruits of your righteousness!

The Lord will enrich you in everything to all bountifulness, which will bring Him great honor and glory in these last days around the world.

And as you give, you are declaring the Gospel to the nations of the world. You are bringing the message of salvation to multitudes throughout the earth!

The Reason for Biblical Prosperity

The reason for biblical prosperity is clear: the Gospel must be preached! This is why a wealth transfer is coming.

From Genesis to Revelation, the principles are taught.

The Lord said to Abraham, “And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing” (Genesis 12:2).

God surely wants to bless you and make you a blessing to others. To finance the coming harvest, God is looking for a people whom He will bless, for the coming harvest is the winning of the lost around the world. Surely, it is on the way, and God is preparing all of us for that glorious day.

I know that the most glorious harvest of God is just around the corner, and He is preparing you and me for a glorious move! I also know that the Lord is preparing us for the most incredible move of the Holy Spirit!

Remember, everything you do today for the Lord will affect what God will do with you when that day of wealth transfer begins: “If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches?” (Luke 16:11). I believe that God Almighty is watching everything we do for Him today to see if He can trust us when that blessed move begins!

For truly how can God trust those who are not faithful with His glorious power and anointing—the invisible—unless He can trust them first with the visible?

The Lord is watching everything we do for Him today. He is looking for a people He can trust, for the day will come when true riches will be committed to believers who are faithful. These true riches not only are the invisible power of God but also the coming wealth transfer on earth that will finance the end-time harvest!

That is why our Lord Jesus said, “Give, and it shall be given unto you” (Luke 6:38). Not only will it will be given now, but I believe He also means that it will be given on that day, and “it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom.”

What You Do Today Will Count Toward Tomorrow

Paul the apostle declared, “But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully” (2 Corinthians 9:6), not only presently, but also on that day when the wealth transfer begins!

God Almighty will give us accordingly to the measure we sow today. That is why Jesus said, “For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again” (Luke 6:38).

What we do today will count toward what happens tomorrow, in the future, and on that day when that wealth transfer starts!

So give today faithfully. Give today with obedience. Give today with all your heart, with a cheerful heart. And God has promised not only to take care of you today and tomorrow, but also to trust you one day with the wealth of the sinner.

Remember as you sow your seed, God’s promise: “I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread” (Psalm 37:25). You will never lack—no, not for one minute—because you have been giving and continue to give to the work of the Gospel.

The glorious Gospel of Jesus Christ is being preached because of faithfulness of God’s people.

Biblical Prosperity and You

Divine prosperity is God’s will for every believer!

Now it is time that we as believers obey the Lord, and even ask Him for prosperity. Like David we, too, can pray: “Save now, I beseech thee, O Lord: O Lord, I beseech thee, send now prosperity” (Psalm 118:25).

It also is time that we sow for prosperity: “Honour the Lord with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine” (Proverbs 3:9-10).

God wants us to prosper because the nations are calling and God continues opening doors. We must respond now before it is too late! As God orchestrates our steps with divine perfection and sends a powerful financial outpouring, we must go forward as a mighty army, obeying the Lord’s command to “go into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15).

Now, more than ever, we must preach the Gospel to all the world, for Jesus said, “And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come” (Matthew 24:14). That time is now!

May God bless you and the seed you plant in obedience to His Word, for He promises, “Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again” (Luke 6:38).

Prosperity is biblical. Prosperity is God’s will. Most of all, prosperity is given to take the life-saving, miracle-working Gospel of Jesus Christ to the nations!